[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today welcomed Minnesota’s Thanksgiving turkey to the Capitol in an annual tradition celebrating Minnesota farmers. Photos from the event are available online here.

“As the nation’s leading turkey producer, Minnesota farmers put food on the Thanksgiving table for millions of families across the country. Today we thank those farmers for everything they do to make those Thanksgiving traditions possible,” said Governor Walz. “As we celebrate, we also recognize that many families in Minnesota are facing hunger. We will keep working together to make sure every Minnesotan has access to the food they deserve—not just on Thanksgiving, but all year long.”

The Governor was joined by Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen, Minnesota Turkey Growers Association President Jake Vlaminck, Minnesota Turkey Growers Association Executive Director Ashley Kohls, Minnesota Turkey Research and Promotion Council President Butch Brey, Second Harvest Heartland CEO Sarah Moberg, and 4-H student Shelby Barber. The tradition highlights the strength of Minnesota’s agriculture industry and the people whose work helps feed families across the state and the nation.

Minnesota remains the top turkey-producing state in the country, with more than 600 farms raising 32 million birds in 2025. The state produces 16% of all turkeys in the United States, and turkey production accounts for 61% of Minnesota’s total poultry output. The industry generates $1 billion in cash receipts each year and includes $78 million in turkey product exports annually.

This year’s event also underscored, at a time when federal aid programs like SNAP are being targeted, the continued need to address food insecurity and rising food costs in Minnesota communities. In late October the Governor announced $4 million in new funding for 300 Minnesota food shelves.