Turkey Production: A State-by-State Breakdown

Turkey is a beloved staple in many American households, especially during the holidays. But where does all this turkey come from? Let’s take a deep dive into turkey production across the United States.

Top Turkey-Producing States

According to the National Turkey Federation, the top turkey-producing states in 2024 are:

1. North Carolina: The undisputed champion, North Carolina produces a whopping 1 billion pounds of turkey annually.
2. Minnesota: Following closely behind is Minnesota, with an impressive 965.7 million pounds of turkey production.
3. Indiana: Indiana takes the third spot with 792 million pounds of turkey.
4. Arkansas: Arkansas comes in fourth with 556.4 million pounds of turkey production.
5. Iowa: Rounding out the top five is Iowa, producing 508.9 million pounds of turkey.

These states boast a combination of favorable climate conditions, ample land availability, and a well-established agricultural infrastructure that supports large-scale turkey raising

Other Notable Producers

While the top five states dominate turkey production, other states also contribute significantly to the national output. These include:

• Virginia: 425.3 million pounds
• Missouri: 362.1 million pounds
• Ohio: 274.5 million pounds
• Michigan: 219.4 million pounds
• Pennsylvania: 211.8 million pounds
• California: 196.5 million pounds
• West Virginia: 115.8 million pounds
• South Dakota: 112 million pounds

Global Turkey Production

The United States is the world’s leading turkey producer, accounting for a significant portion of the global market. Other major turkey-producing countries include:

• Brazil: The second-largest producer, Brazil is a major competitor in the global market.
• European Union: The EU collectively produces a substantial amount of turkey, with individual countries like France, Germany, and Italy being significant contributors.
• Canada: Canada is another major North American producer, with a strong export market.

Factors Driving Turkey Production

Several factors contribute to the robust turkey production in the United States:

• Favorable Climate: The temperate climate in many turkey-producing states provides ideal conditions for raising turkeys.
• Land Availability: The vast amount of land in these states allows for large-scale turkey farms with ample space for the birds to roam.
• Agricultural Infrastructure: Well-developed agricultural infrastructure, including feed mills, processing plants, and transportation networks, supports efficient turkey production.
• Consumer Demand: The high demand for turkey in the United States, particularly during Thanksgiving and Christmas, drives the industry’s growth.

Turkey production is a vital part of the American agricultural landscape, with several states playing a crucial role in meeting the nation’s demand for this versatile and delicious protein source. From the top producers like North Carolina and Minnesota to the numerous other states contributing to the overall output, the United States remains a global leader in turkey production.