How much is turkey worth to the state of North Carolina? In total, roughly $8.5 billion.

The United States is the top turkey-producing country in the world and one in five of those big birds is eaten on Thanksgiving – an estimated 46 million turkeys cooked each year. One of the top turkey states is North Carolina, coming in third behind Minnesota and Iowa – ranked first and second, respectively.

The turkey industry either creates or impacts more than 34,000 jobs in the state, leading to $1.8 billion in wages paid, according to the National Turkey Federation.  The total economic impact of turkeys in North Carolina added up to more than $8.5 billion in 2018, and while Jennie-o’s is based in leading turkey state Minnesota, it’s Butterball in the front of the flock – processing a staggering 1.3 billion pounds worth of turkey each year and headquartered in Garner, NC.

This year, North Carolina’s role in the turkey industry even made it all the way up to the White House. Two turkeys from the ‘presidential flock’ at Wellie Jackson’s farm in Clinton, North Carolina, were taken to be pardoned by the President in an annual tradition.

From deli sandwiches in brown-bag lunches to plates piled high on Thanksgiving, the gravy train in high-turkey states shows no sign of slowing anytime soon. So this year, as you carve into a delicious dinner, know that you’re not only sharing time with family and friends – you’re most likely giving dollars right back to North Carolina’s economy!

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