Let’s Talk Turkey: Fun Facts to Spread the Story of Agriculture

As the frantic pace of harvest winds down, we can reflect on another season of abundant effort.
As the frantic pace of harvest winds down, we can reflect on another season of abundant effort.
(Lindsey Pound, Farm Journal)

As the frantic pace of harvest winds down, we can reflect on another season of abundant effort. The vital work of farmers and ranchers is not always easy — as we saw in 2020. Thanksgiving is a wonderful opportunity to remember despite challenges, we all have many reasons to be grateful. 

As you prepare for your Thanksgiving celebration, brush up on your knowledge about the traditional holiday dishes:

  • Turkeys: The U.S. is No. 1 in global turkey production. Turkey consumption has nearly doubled since 1970. In 2020, U.S. consumption of turkey was 5.26 billion pounds and 16 pounds per person. Last year these states produced the most turkeys:
    • Minnesota – 40 million birds
    • North Carolina – 31 million birds
    • Arkansas – 30 million birds
    • Indiana - 20 million birds
    • Missouri – 17 million birds
    • Virginia - 16 million birds
    • Iowa - 11.7 million birds
    • California – 8 million birds
       
  • Potatoes: The U.S. ranks fifth in global potato production. North Carolina is the leading sweet potato producing state, while Idaho grows the most white potatoes.
     
  • Cranberries: The U.S. is No. 1 in global cranberry production. Wisconsin leads the U.S. in production.
     
  • Pecans: The U.S. is No. 1 in global pecan production. New Mexico leads the U.S. in pecan production.
     
  • Pumpkins: The U.S. is fifth in global pumpkin production. Illinois leads the U.S. in pumpkin production.

Sources: USDA, National Turkey Federation

Join AgDay and U.S. Farm Report on Thanksgiving as they pay tribute to the amazing work and stories throughout America's countryside in the annual “Harvest of Thanks” special.

 

Read More
From the Flames: A Lesson in Thanksgiving from a Man Who Survived a Raging Oklahoma Wildfire

Farmer’s Effort to Give Thanks Explodes into Humanitarian Cause

Adopt An Attitude Of Gratitude

A Remarkable Rural Route Rescue After Tractor Accident Left a Virginia Cattle Producer Stranded in the Ditch

Africa to Afghanistan: Ambassador Kip Tom’s Lessons from the Global Food Crisis

Feed the Right Dog and 4 Other Things I Can’t Get Out of My Head

Pipeline of Opportunity: Smithfield Removes Barriers to Hog Farm Ownership

 

Latest News

APHIS Now Thinks Wild Birds Are to Blame for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza's Arrival on Four U.S. Dairies
APHIS Now Thinks Wild Birds Are to Blame for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza's Arrival on Four U.S. Dairies

The livestock industry continues to grapple with the first confirmed cases of HPAI in cattle, while federal and state agencies continue to assure consumers there's no concern about the safety of the U.S. milk supply.

AABP Creates 'Using Credentialed Veterinary Technicians  in Bovine Practice' Guidelines
AABP Creates 'Using Credentialed Veterinary Technicians in Bovine Practice' Guidelines

Utilizing credentialed veterinary technicians (CVTs) in bovine practice can assist veterinarians in providing additional and efficient services to their large animal clients.

Get the Facts Straight on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
Get the Facts Straight on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Now that the mystery illness impacting some dairy herds has been revealed as the same strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza that has been impacting the U.S. poultry flock, pork producers are asking questions.

New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows
New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows

A new resource developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and CattleFax helps cattle producers maximize profitability from their culling decisions.

"Boring" Technology Will Reshape Dairy Over the Next 10 Years
"Boring" Technology Will Reshape Dairy Over the Next 10 Years

Once a technology becomes a boring experience it means it has become proven, well-adopted, and easy to utilize. There are three "boring" technologies silently shaping the industry.

Meat Institute: Properly Prepared Beef is Safe to Eat; HPAI is not a Food Safety Threat
Meat Institute: Properly Prepared Beef is Safe to Eat; HPAI is not a Food Safety Threat

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and USDA food safety experts, properly prepared beef is safe to eat and is not a food safety risk to humans.