Find a Job You Really Want In
As Thanksgiving approaches in 2026, Americans will gather around tables brimming with delicious turkey. This year, approximately 46 million turkeys are expected to be prepared for the holiday celebration. That’s a staggering number of turkeys!
At Zippia, we’re passionate about data and were curious, “What economic impact does all this turkey production have?” We analyzed the figures to discover which states benefit the most financially from the turkey industry and where the majority of this poultry originates.
A SUMMARY OF THE BIGGEST TURKEY PRODUCERS:
- One out of every five turkeys produced in the United States is consumed during Thanksgiving.
- Minnesota leads the nation with an impressive $12,538,757,400 generated from the turkey industry. That’s truly something to be thankful for!
- While Minnesota dominates production, Iowa ranks second but is still $3 billion behind.
- Butterball, headquartered in North Carolina, processes the highest volume of turkey each year, totaling 1.36 billion pounds.
A NOTE ON METHODOLOGY
For this analysis, we sourced data from the reputable National Turkey Federation. In previous years, we examined jobs and wages generated directly from turkey production. This year, we expanded our focus to encompass the broader economic landscape.
The job numbers presented below reflect all employment created by the turkey industry. Turkey production employs tens of thousands of individuals directly across the nation, with many more involved in related sectors such as contract farming, distribution, equipment manufacturing, and various associated services. The economic impact extends even further.
For instance, in Minnesota, home to Jennie-O, over 10,000 direct jobs exist within the turkey industry. Each of these workers contributes to the local economy by spending their earnings on goods and services, which in turn fosters job growth.
Here are the states with the most total jobs linked to the turkey industry:
That’s a significant number of jobs! Here are the impressive dollar amounts generated by these jobs:
It’s no surprise that states with major turkey processing facilities are at the top of the list for both jobs and economic contributions.
Turkey Is Here to Stay:
This Thanksgiving, once again, billions will be generated from turkey production. That’s certainly something for which to be thankful—especially for the states that rank at the top. The U.S. continues to be the largest turkey producer globally, reaping significant economic benefits from the turkey industry.
Interestingly, while the U.S. leads in production, we rank second in turkey consumption, with Israel being the top consumer. However, as the leading exporter, that’s a position we can be proud of.
The enduring popularity of turkey, particularly white meat, ensures that each Thanksgiving, economic benefits will continue to flow. So, as you pile turkey high on your plate, remember—you’re not just enjoying a meal; you’re also supporting the economy!
Author
Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.
