Minnesota’s Thanksgiving Turkey Presented At Wednesday Ceremony

(KNSI) – Members of the Walz Administration and Minnesota Turkey Growers Association officials presented Minnesota’s Thanksgiving turkey at a ceremony Wednesday.

Governor Tim Walz says in a press release that the state has a lot to celebrate when it comes to talking turkey. “I want to thank our turkey growers for their work to feed our state and country. As we gather with loved ones around the dining table this holiday season, this is a perfect time to celebrate their contributions to our communities, economy, and the world. This year – and every year – I am grateful that 5.7 million people and 40 million turkeys call Minnesota home.”

The state routinely tops the list for turkey production. Minnesota has 660 farms and 450 growers that make up a $12 billion industry. About 46,000 people have jobs related to raising gobblers.

The two birds selected for a pardon by President Joe Biden this year were native to Minnesota. Liberty and Bell, both four months old, hail from a Jennie-O facility in Willmar.

Also at Wednesday’s ceremony were Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen, Minnesota Turkey Growers Association President Jake Vlaminck, Minnesota Turkey Growers Association Executive Director Ashley Kohls, and Hunger Solutions Minnesota Executive Director Colleen Moriarty.

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