Turkey Growers Care

Quality Care, Human Element Key to Success

Minnesota turkey growers have adopted a strong statement of philosophy outlining their responsibilities in ensuring the proper care of their turkeys. However, it is the human element which accounts for the industry's extraordinary success. Experienced turkey growers have a unique relationship with their birds, often reflected in an uncanny ability to "sense" when something isn't right. That special knack allows farmers to make decisions that ensure the best possible environment.

Some turkeys are raised in wide-open "range" (outdoor) operations; others thrive inside specially engineered barns. In either case, turkey growers make numerous daily checks of each production location.

Technology provides additional tools for quality animal care. New computerized systems are used in some barns to monitor and adjust conditions in the building. To meet the needs of breeder turkeys (egg layers), some barns are also fitted with special cooling systems.

Good Nutrition Pays Off

The typical turkey receives a diet more precisely researched and formulated than most humans enjoy. Feed formulations are changed periodically to meet specific needs at each stage of the turkey's growth and development. The turkey's ability to convert the food it eats into nutrient-rich meat makes it one of nature's most efficient sources of food. Less than three pounds of turkey feed becomes a pound of nutritious, wholesome turkey meat.

The Phenomenal Popularity of Turkey

During the last two decades, the turkey industry has come from a single-product, holiday-oriented business into a fully integrated industry with a diversified product line that competes with other protein products on a year-round basis. Turkey consumption has increased 225% since 1975, due to consumers" recognition of turkey's good taste and nutritional value. In 1996, U.S. consumption of turkey was 18.5 pounds per person.

Turkey Growers in Profile

Minnesota is the nation's second largest turkey producing state raising nearly 44 million turkeys in 1997. According to a recent study completed by the University of Minnesota:

• Turkey producers and processors earned incomes of $212 million in 1996.
• Spin-off industries earned $374 million in 1996.
• For the phases of breeding, hatching, growing, feeding and processing turkeys, the industry directly employs over 6,900 people.
• Spin off industries employ over 78000 people.
• Corn and soybean production to supply turkey producers employ the equivalent of 1767 cash grain producers and employees.
• Corn growers earned $26 million and soybean growers earned $35 million from supplying turkey producers.
• 90 percent of turkey products processed are exported outside Minnesota.

Education, Outreach Programs Vital

The Minnesota Turkey Growers Association exists to foster professionalism and improve production methods in the industry. The industry funds over $175,000 each year in research projects at the University of Minnesota to learn new and better ways to raise turkeys.

Minnesota turkey growers have developed best management practices unique in the industry for waste disposal, farm siting and maintenance, and pesticide use. These guidelines reflect the industry's strong commitment to environmental responsibility.