Governor Tim Walz and state agriculture leaders presented the state’s official Thanksgiving turkey at a Capitol event this morning on the eve of the holiday.
Minnesota Turkey Growers Association President Jake Vlaminck says 46 million turkeys are grown and processed in the country each year, with 40 million of them coming from Minnesota.
“Minnesota ranks number one in the nation for turkey production, with just over 450 turkey farms throughout the state,” Vlaminck said. “These farming families range from first generation all the way to sixth generation, growing turkeys in Minnesota.”
Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Peterson says the state couldn’t do it without hundreds of dedicated turkey farmers and companies like Hormel, Jennie-O, Northern Pride, and Turkey Valley that choose to call Minnesota home.