Minnesota Is The Nation's No. 1 Turkey Grower (And It Isn't Close)

ST. PAUL, MN — When you sit down Thursday evening to eat your Thanksgiving turkey, there's a good chance the bird was born and raised in Minnesota.

Minnesota is the top turkey producer in the country, boasting more than 660 growers statewide, according to numbers from the state.

Minnesota's turkey farms raise over 40 million birds, which accounts for 18 percent of all turkeys produced in the U.S.

The vast majority of turkeys in the U.S. are grown in just eight states.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, North Carolina — home to butterball — is the second-largest producer after Minnesota:

• MN – 40.5 million birds
• NC – 30.0 million birds
• AR – 27.0 million birds
• IN - 20.5 million birds
• MO – 17.0 million birds
• VA – 14.5 million birds
• IA - 11.7 million birds
• PA – 6.9 million birds

"Minnesota produces more turkey than any other state, and that is thanks to the hard work and passion of our growers every day of the year," Gov. Tim Walz said Tuesday during a meeting with the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association.

"Minnesota’s agriculture industry is a crucial part of our state’s thriving economy and culture. I am grateful for all of Minnesota’s farmers and growers who work to ensure we can enjoy our favorite foods this holiday season."

Minnesota is also home to three of the nation's major turkey-producing companies:

• Jennie-O Turkey Store (Willmar)
• Turkey Valley Farms (Marshall)
• Northern Pride (Thief River Falls)

Minnesota is also home to Select Genetics, the nation's largest turkey hatchery. Select Genetics generates more than $1 billion in annual economic activity for Minnesota and provides more than 26,000 jobs, according to Walz's office.