WALCOTT, Iowa — Each year a different turkey-producing state raises the Presidential Flock. From that flock, two turkeys will make the trip to Washington D.C. where one lucky turkey will be chosen as the National Thanksgiving Turkey.
Iowa farmer, Ron Kardel and his wife Susie, raised this year’s presidential flock. Ron is a 6th generation farmer who serves as the Chair of the National Turkey Federation. Ron is also the Vice Chairman of the board for West Liberty Foods.
“It has been an honor raising the National Thanksgiving Turkey this year. I take pride in being an Iowa turkey farmer and this tradition is a great way to celebrate the turkey industry. I have enjoyed the educational opportunities that have stemmed from this event.” -Ron
“The White House turkey pardoning ceremony is especially fun for West Liberty Foods when we have a personal connection to the event. Ron Kardel becomes the fourth member of our co-op to present the Thanksgiving turkey at the White House, following Vance Larson in 1986, Pete Hermanson in 1988, and Paul Hill in 2008. We sincerely appreciate Ron’s hard work and advocacy for the turkey industry in his role as Chair of the National Turkey Federation. Ron has been a great ambassador for our company and for Iowa turkey growers.”-Ed Garrett, CEO
The Iowa Turkey Federation commemorated the occasion by giving the turkey’s a proper send- off on the farm where they were raised. This event took place on Friday, November 20th at 12:00 PM. Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig and the Professor and Chair of the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University, Dan Thomson were also in attendance.
— Iowa Turkey Federation
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