Turkeys

Minnesota is the number one turkey-producing state in the country, raising approximately 45 million birds in 2003 and generating nearly $600 million in income for producers, processors and related industries. Minnesota has more than 600 turkey farms.

More than 90 percent of Minnesota turkey products are exported out of state, including 15 percent to international markets. Between breeding, hatching, growing, feeding and processing turkeys, the industry employs almost 7000 people.

Because of increased efficiency in turkey production, turkey is an excellent food value for consumers. In fact, the price of turkeys dropped approximately 4.5 percent each year between 1949 and 1993 - a trend that continues today.