State recognizes poultry producers’ charitable giving
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As we gather around the holiday dinner table for a Thanksgiving feast this week, you might reflect on the Hoosier farmers who help put food on the table, including turkey. The Indiana State Department of Agriculture and the Indiana State Poultry Association recognized the generosity of Hoosier poultry producers during a ceremony Tuesday at the Indiana Statehouse.
The organizations say poultry farmers donated nearly 200,000 pounds of poultry products to Hoosiers in need this year.
“Our Hoosier farmers are incredibly generous and quick to give back to their community,” said Bruce Kettler, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. “This event highlights their year-round contributions to various food banks and pantries located throughout Indiana and we are grateful to recognize them.”
Indiana is one of the biggest poultry producing states in the country. Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows Indiana ranks No. 1 in duck production, No. 2 in egg production, and No. 4 in turkey production.
“Indiana’s bountiful, high quality feed, ample water supply, dedicated farmers, and business climate that understands the needs of agriculture make it an ideal place to raise poultry,” said Becky Joniskan, Indiana State Poultry Association president. “We pride ourselves on feeding our neighbors, our nation, and, indeed, the world, with wholesome, nutritious poultry products.”
Joniskan says Indiana’s poultry producers address food insecurity year-round in their local communities by providing protein to food banks across the state.
This Indiana poultry sector employs more than 12,500 Hoosiers.
