|
|
Turkey industry provides more than $100 million in economic benefitsNebraska Nebraska's turkey industry makes up an important segment of agriculture in the state, converting corn and other commodities into a higher value--and tasty--product that is marketed across the country and around the world. "Nebraska's turkey producers contribute about $110 million annually to Nebraska's economy," said David Nielsen, a corn grower near Lincoln and a farmer-director of the Nebraska Corn Board. "They achieve this not only through the products they sell, but through their investment in commodities, equipment, facilities, labor and all the items required to be an efficient turkey producer." Nebraska's independent turkey growers also own the Nebraska Turkey Growers Cooperative in Gibbon, which operates the only turkey processing facility in the state. In the last year, the cooperative processed more than 65 million pounds of turkey from about 4 million turkeys produced by the growers. About 10 percent of that turkey is sold in Nebraska, while 80 percent is sold across the country and the final 10 percent going overseas. "That's a lot of good Nebraska turkey going across the country and even around the world," Nielsen said. "It's exciting to see Nebraska's agriculture system delivering high-quality products like this to a wide variety of consumers." Much of the turkey produced by the growers and their cooperative is sold under the Norbest label. "Every time you buy a Norbest turkey you're supporting Nebraska turkey producers and Nebraska agriculture," Nielsen said. "Since June is National Turkey Lovers Month, it is a good time to grill some turkey and enjoy some quality Nebraska ag products." Nielsen said Nebraska, with its reliable feed sources like corn and soybeans, is a good place to produce all forms of poultry and livestock production. "There is a partnership that is very interdependent between the crop, livestock and poultry producers in Nebraska," he said, "and we're proud to be a part of it." The Nebraska Corn Board is a self-help program, funded and managed by Nebraska corn farmers. Producers invest in the program at a rate of 1/4 of a cent per bushel of corn sold. Nebraska corn checkoff funds are invested in programs of market development, research and education. 6/30/08 Date: 6/25/08
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2011. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
|
