Thanksgiving in Minnesota

It’s Thanksgiving again! Hope you have your turkey on hand for tomorrow! About 46 million turkeys were eaten last Thanksgiving.

Many Minnesota turkey farmers can be  thanked for that! Minnesota hatches and raises more turkeys than any other state, producing about 45 million yearly. The rest of the top 5 states are North Carolina, Arkansas, Missouri, and Virginia.

One of the main reasons why Minnesota's approximately 600 turkey farms are as successful as they are is because of two other major exports for the state: corn and soybeans. Minnesota's turkey industry supports about 1,800 corn and soybean farmers.

What's more, over the years the University of Minnesota and the College of Agriculture and Animal Sciences and the College of Veterinary Medicine have helped farmers with solutions to issues, like disease prevention and better diets.

And remember: After you've eaten the turkey and stuffing, watched the football game, and maybe had a few beers, please don't drink then drive. Not only could you be placing the lives of innocent people in danger, but DWI and DUI enforcement is has been stepped up in Minnesota over the holiday.

Happy Thanksgiving!