Sangamon Sun

Five of the top poultry production states in the U.S. are located in the Midwest, with Minnesota leading the pack. However, Illinois also plays a vital role in the turkey industry, despite its smaller footprint. Poultry production is a significant contributor to the U.S. economy, generating nearly $600 billion annually and representing three percent of the nation's Gross Domestic Product.

In Illinois, there is a concentration of independent turkey growers in the Peoria and Morton areas, accompanied by a few USDA-inspected processing plants. However, the lack of processing facilities poses a challenge to expanding the poultry industry in the state. Building a new processing plant is costly, and finding enough willing employees is another hurdle. Consequently, most turkey producers in Illinois serve as contract growers for large, integrated farms in Iowa and Indiana.

Among the notable turkey farms in Illinois is Yordy Turkey Farm in Morton. Yordy Turkey Farm follows a 100 percent natural lifecycle approach, raising turkeys in an open, climate-controlled environment and feeding them all-natural corn and grain. The turkeys at Yordy are free from hormones, antibiotics, and artificial growth enhancers, and each turkey undergoes USDA state inspection and certification. Customers can directly purchase a variety of turkey products from Yordy Turkey Farm.

Representative Rosenthal highlights the importance of supporting local businesses, stating, "Small businesses drive our local economy, and turkey producers help contribute to the GDP. It's important we support businesses that embrace the process of creating quality poultry for consumers."

Another prominent turkey farm in Illinois is Kauffman Turkey Farms, located in Waterman. Kauffman is one of the few remaining independent, family-owned, and operated turkey farms in the country that also has its own dressing plant. For over 80 years, Kauffman has been providing fresh dressed turkeys to the Northern Illinois area. The farm prioritizes quality, allowing the turkeys to grow more slowly and develop a richer flavor and denser texture.

Roth Turkey Farm, situated in the village of Forrest in Livingston County, is an independent, fourth-generation, family-owned, and operated turkey farm. During the holiday season, Roth Turkey Farm offers fresh turkeys to retail customers. The farm's roots can be traced back to 1965 when Les and Ruth Roth purchased the property and began raising poultry. Since then, the farm has expanded with the construction of a remodeled facility and an additional building in 1988.

The United States holds the distinction of being the world's largest turkey producer and exporter of turkey products. In 2020 alone, the country produced 224 million turkeys, equivalent to 7.3 billion pounds. Turkey consumption has nearly doubled since 1970, with ground turkey gaining popularity as a nutrient-rich, lower-fat substitute for ground beef. Minnesota leads the nation in turkey production, producing 40 million turkeys per year. North Carolina, Arkansas, Indiana, and Missouri follow closely behind. Illinois contributes approximately five million turkeys annually to the overall production.

Turkey producers in the Midwest, including Illinois, play a crucial role in the region's agriculture and the nation's economy. Despite facing challenges such as the lack of processing plants, these independent growers and family-owned farms continue to provide high-quality turkeys to meet consumer demand. Their commitment to natural, sustainable practices ensures that consumers can enjoy turkey products that are both delicious and responsibly produced.

Photo credit: Kauffman Turkey Farms website.

To find out more, go to this link: https://reprosenthal.com/2023/11/14/turkey-producers-an-important-part-of-midwest-agriculture/