KANSAS CITY – If you’re gathered around the table with your relatives this Thanksgiving and want to turn the conversation away from politics, here are some fun facts to share.
This year, more than 15-million turkeys were produced in Missouri, putting it in the top five states in the country for turkey production.
As of August, $1.5-million in live, prepared or preserved turkey meat has been sent to other countries from Missouri.
Looking away from the farms, Missouri is home to upwards of 400,000 wild turkeys.
Wild turkeys can fly at up to 55 miles per hour in short bursts.
Here are some other Thanksgiving fun facts:
40-million turkeys will be eaten in the US on Thanksgiving.
Americans will spend $96-million on stuffing the turkey.
Benjamin Franklin preferred the turkey to the bald eagle as America’s national bird.
Turkeys have between 5,000 and 6,000 feathers.
Turkeys have three-times better vision than humans. They can also see in color and their eyesight covers 270 degrees.
And we at KMBZ hope you have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!