Here is some NC Turkey trivia for your main dish conversation –
- North Carolina was the number one producing state from 1981 until it was passed in the mid-2000s by Minnesota.
- Sampson County produces more turkeys than any other county in the state, and it is also home to a small town named Turkey.
- The farming of turkeys is concentrated in the southern piedmont and coastal regions.
- Turkey production in North Carolina started being recorded in 1929 by the Department of Agriculture. Since that time, the lowest producing year was 1931 with 198,000 turkeys, and the highest was 1992 with 62 million. In 2011, there were 32 million turkeys raised and 1.13 billion pounds produced with a value of $772.5 million statewide.
- North Carolina is home to three large turkey companies: Butterball in Garner, House of Raeford Farms in Raeford, and Prestage Foods in St. Pauls.
So while you sit at the table this Thanksgiving holiday, remember that you are more than likely eating a North Carolina turkey, and share some great North Carolina facts with the family. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
If you want more NC Turkey information, check out this week’s newsletter: Turkey Anyone? Facts About NC’s Turkey Production
