Lykken to Serve as 2023 National Turkey Federation Chair

The National Turkey Federation (NTF) announced the 2023 officer team and Executive Committee members recently elected by the Board of Directors at the 2023 NTF Annual Convention in Palm Springs.

Steve Lykken of Jennie-O Turkey Store was elected 2023 NTF chairman. John Zimmerman of P&J Products Co. will serve as vice chairman and Jay Jandrain of Butterball as secretary-treasurer. Ronnie Parker, representing Circle S Ranch, will move into the role of immediate past chairman...

National Turkey Federation Renews Turkey Smoke Series in Partnership with the K.C. Barbeque Society

The National Turkey Federation (NTF) is pleased to renew its partnership with the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS), kicking off the fourth year of the Turkey Smoke Series, which encourages both professional and amateur pitmasters to showcase the versatility and creativity of turkey on the smoker or grill. The Turkey Smoke Series features a turkey category in select barbeque competitions across the United States during the 2023 season. Pitmasters and contest organizers love that the Turkey Smoke...

Congress Must Act to Prevent Rail Service Disruptions

The National Turkey Federation (NTF) released the following statement today urging congressional action to prevent rail service disruptions:

“The National Turkey Federation urges Congress to act swiftly on legislation to resolve rail labor disputes and prevent disruptions to rail service. The freight rail system plays an important role in the food and agriculture supply chain, including the transport of feed ingredients essential to turkey production. Transportation delays could have a sizable impact on turkey producers and consumers...”

U.S. Poultry Industry Provides 2 Million Jobs and $556 Billion in Economic Impact

The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY), National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation and United Egg Producers have released an updated economic impact study that highlights the positive impact the poultry industry has on jobs, wages, and federal and state revenue in the United States. A dynamic and integral part of the national economy, the U.S. poultry industry provides 2,012,269 jobs, $125.6 billion in wages, $555.9 billion in economic activity and $33.7 billion in government revenue.

The study breaks down poultry into three subcategories...

Thanksgiving Turkey is on the Menu

With Thanksgiving just three weeks away, today the National Turkey Federation (NTF) shared helpful tips for Americans shopping for a turkey and preparing the Thanksgiving meal. NTF highlighted the robust availability of turkey products featured at retailers nationwide as well as its updated Thanksgiving 101, a comprehensive guide to preparing the holiday turkey.

“If you’re looking for a turkey product this Thanksgiving, you’ll be able to find one,” said Joel Brandenberger, NTF president. “There has been a lot of discussion about whether avian influenza or the general economy is going to affect this holiday...

Chicken Industry Provides 1.5 Million Jobs and $417 Billion in Economic Impact: New Study

The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY), National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation and United Egg Producers have released an updated economic impact study that highlights the positive impact the poultry industry has on jobs, wages, and federal and state revenue in the United States.

The study breaks down poultry into three subcategories: chicken, turkey and eggs. The chicken industry provides 1,517,797 jobs, $94.9 billion in wages, $417 billion in economic activity and $25.5 billion in government revenue.

The data is hosted on...

NFI Finds Replacement For President and CEO John Connelly in National Turkey Federation SVP

The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) has found their new President and CEO. The industry association announced Tuesday afternoon that they have named Lisa Wallenda Picard as their new President and CEO. Picard previously served as the Senior Vice President for Policy, Trade and Regulatory Affairs at the National Turkey Federation (NTF).

As SeafoodNews previously reported, current NFI President and CEO John Connolly announced in January that he planned to retire in early 2023. Now, thanks to a President Search Committee chaired by Kim Gorton, President and...

NTF Statement on FSIS Salmonella Framework

The National Turkey Federation (NTF) issued the following statement on the release of the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service’s (FSIS) Proposed Regulatory Framework to Reduce Salmonella Illnesses Attributable to Poultry:

“National Turkey Federation members are committed to further enhancing the safety of their products and building on the turkey industry’s ongoing efforts to address Salmonella throughout turkey production. As FSIS and industry look towards comprehensive strategies to advance this priority, it is imperative that the best science drive food safety policy. The Salmonella..."

Applications Being Accepted for New Poultry Industry Innovation in Safety & Health Award

The Joint Industry Safety and Health Council is currently accepting applications for a new Innovation in Safety & Health Award program. The program is open to National Chicken Council (NCC), National Turkey Federation (NTF) and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) members and is intended for poultry and egg industry members that have made a significant advancement in operational excellence in a safety and/or health innovation.

Award applications can be entered in the industry categories of Poultry Processing (NAICS 311615), Poultry & Egg Production (NAICS 1123)...

NTF in Focus: Women in the Turkey Industry

Women play a major role in the turkey industry and throughout agriculture. Whether it’s on the farm, working the line in the plant, sampling products for quality assurance, developing animal health solutions in the lab or performing a plethora of essential duties, our mission of delivering safe, nutritious products to the table wouldn’t be possible without the women in the turkey industry. Women do it all!

We’ve always said what makes NTF great is its people. In celebration of Women’s History Month, we wanted to highlight a few of the talented...