Gobble, Gobble: Where Do All Those Thanksgiving Turkeys Come From?

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and, of course, turkey. But have you ever stopped to wonder where all those delicious birds come from?

Well, wonder no more! Today, we’re diving into the world of turkey production, exploring the states that bring us the majority of our Thanksgiving feasts.

The Big Six: Turkey Titans of the US

While turkeys are raised in all corners of the country, a handful of states dominate the turkey production game. These six states account for a whopping 66% of all turkeys raised in the US:

Minnesota: The undisputed champion, Minnesota produces a staggering 37 million turkeys annually, accounting for nearly 18% of the national total.
North Carolina: Coming in a close second, North Carolina raises 28 million turkeys each year, making up roughly 13% of the national supply.
Arkansas: This state is a haven for turkeys, raising 26 million birds annually, contributing 12% to the national total.
Indiana: Indiana might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of turkeys, but it’s actually the fourth-largest producer, raising 20 million birds each year, or 9% of the national supply.
Missouri: This state gobbles up 17 million turkeys annually, contributing 8% to the national total.
Virginia: Rounding out the top six, Virginia raises 15.3 million turkeys each year, making up 7% of the national supply.

Beyond the Big Six: Other Notable Turkey Producers

While the Big Six dominate the turkey scene, there are a few other states that deserve a shout-out for their contributions:

Iowa: This state might not be in the top six, but it raises some of the heaviest turkeys in the country, with an average weight of 43.8 lbs!
Pennsylvania: This state might not be known for its turkeys, but it’s actually the third-highest producer in terms of total HPAI cases.
South Dakota: This state raises some of the most expensive turkeys in the country, with an average price of $37.85 per bird.

The Impact of HPAI on Turkey Production

HPAI or Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, has had a significant impact on turkey production in recent years. In 2022 the virus resulted in the loss of 49.05 million birds, with 181 commercial turkey flocks affected. This has led to record-high turkey prices and has put a strain on the industry as a whole.

The Future of Turkey Production

The future of turkey production is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the demand for turkey is not going away anytime soon. As consumers become more aware of the impact of HPAI, it’s likely that the industry will focus on developing more sustainable and resilient production practices.

So, the next time you’re enjoying a delicious Thanksgiving turkey, take a moment to appreciate the hard work of the farmers who raise these birds. And remember, the majority of those turkeys probably came from one of the six states we mentioned above!

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There are roughly 100 million turkeys that live on farms across the United States. On Thanksgiving, we’re expected to eat 46 million of them.

Turkeys are found almost all over the United States, as the map below illustrates. It is based on USDA data from 2012. (That’s the last time the agency conducted an agricultural census. ).

But two states really lead the way in turkey production: Minnesota and North Carolina.

More Americans are eating turkey, too, as different cuts of turkey rise in popularity

Americans no longer just buy whole turkeys. Spokesman for the National Turkey Federation Kimmon Williams lists other popular turkey products as ground turkey, turkey breasts, and turkey deli slices.

Williams emailed me to say that, since the 1970s, turkey has ranked as the fourth most popular meat in the US and that, on average, Americans now consume 16 pounds of turkey annually, up from 8 pounds.

The majority of turkey consumed in the US still comes from supermarkets and retail outlets, but data from the National Turkey Federation indicates that turkey has been increasingly popular in the food service sector in recent years.

Which State Produces the Most Turkeys? | Random Facts #shorts #thanksgiving #turkey #minnesota

FAQ

Which U.S. state has the most turkeys?

Raising about 49 million turkeys each year, Minnesota is the top turkey-producing state in the country. After Minnesota comes North Carolina, Arkansas, Virginia, Missouri and Indiana. Together these six states raise more than two-thirds of America’s Thanksgiving birds.

Where do most U.S. turkeys come from?

The top turkey-producing states are as follows: Minnesota, North Carolina, Arkansas, Indiana, Missouri, Virginia, Iowa and California.

What is turkey the largest producer of?

Wheat, sugar beet, cotton, vegetables and fruit are major crops; and Turkey is the world’s largest grower of hazelnuts, apricots, oregano and raisins.

Which state is turkey production capital of the world?

Minnesota has long been the turkey capital in the U.S. and some would argue in the world. In 1939, Minnesota’s turkey farmers gathered together to form the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association.