Contact:                                                                                  

Vanessa Tait, Group Leaf LLC                             Lara Durben, Minnesota Turkey Growers Association

Ph: 651/308-8027                                                   Ph: 763/682-2171 (office) or 612/554-0920 (cell)

vanessa@groupleaf.com                                    lara@minnesotaturkey.com 

1.       The Minnesota Turkey Growers Association has been serving up turkey at the Minnesota State Fair for 52 years (since 1958).  Our State Fair concession stand, Turkey To Go, is known for its signature Giant Juicy Turkey Sandwich and Slow-Roasted Turkey Drumsticks.

2.       We expect to cook over 3,000 turkeys at Turkey To Go this year.

3.       Turkey To Go concession has its own Facebook page – www.facebook.com/turkeytogo.

4.       Turkey To Go opened a mobile food cart in downtown Minneapolis on August 3, 2010. On most days, fans of Turkey To Go can find the mobile cart at South 8^th Street and Nicollet Mall. During Minnesota Twins home games, the cart will be set up at South 6^th Street and Hennepin Avenue.  Up-to-date location information can be found at www.twitter.com/turkeytogo.

5.       Turkeys raised in U.S. are free of added hormones and steroids.  In fact, there are no hormones or steroids approved for use in turkey production in the U.S.

6.       Turkey has more protein than chicken or beef – plus fewer calories and zero saturated fat.

7.       Shape Up America! and National Turkey Federation have developed a “Meal Upgrade Calculator” to show consumers how to “upgrade” some of their favorite dishes with turkey at breakfast, lunch and dinner – saving fat and calories. Find the Meal Upgrade Calculator at www.mealupgrade.com.

8.       Minnesota is ranked #1 for turkey production, processing, and hatching in the U.S. and is home to 250 turkey farmers who raise approximately 45 million turkeys annually on 600 farms.  Minnesota has the most family-owned turkey farms of any state in the U.S. and many our turkey producers are 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th generation farmers.

9.       Formed in 1939, the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association (MTGA), is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to fostering a successful turkey industry. Today the MTGA and its sister organization, the Minnesota Turkey Research Promotion Council, work on behalf of Minnesota’s turkey industry in the areas of research, promotion, public relations, issues management, education and government affairs.

10.    The MTGA’s Web site – www.minnesotaturkey.com – features links to more than 1,700 turkey recipes for consumers and the foodservice industry. We also have recipes at our State Fair booth in the Dairy Building.

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For immediate release

Contact:                                                                                  

Vanessa Tait, Group Leaf LLC                             Lara Durben, Minnesota Turkey Growers Association

Ph: 651/308-8027                                                   Ph: 763/682-2171 (office) or 612/554-0920 (cell)

vanessa@groupleaf.com                                    lara@minnesotaturkey.com

Visit www.FarmersFeedUs.org to sign up

(Buffalo, MN) … Kent Meschke, a turkey farmer from Little Falls, MN, is one of nine farmers offering all Minnesota residents a chance to win free groceries for an entire year*.

“As a Minnesota farmer, I’m thrilled to offer free groceries for a year to the consumers of our great state,” said Meschke.  “This is an opportunity for Minnesota farmers to share what we produce with Minnesota consumers and to let them know we share their values - taking care of our families, taking care of our animals and land and giving back to our communities.” 

Meschke is a third generation turkey farmer who raises 700,000 turkey hens annually that he markets through Northern Pride Cooperative, Thief River Falls, MN.  The Meschke operation also includes a feed manufacturing facility.

For details on the sweepstakes, consumers can visit www.FarmersFeedUs.org and register for two grand prizes of free groceries by meeting a Minnesota farmer through a short video that shows how they produce safe, nutritious and affordable food.

Consumers can register with each of the nine featured farmers daily through Nov. 6, the end of the 90-day program.

The Farmers Feed US website features turkey, chicken, egg, beef, corn, dairy, hog, and soybean farmers from across the state, each sharing information about their farm and their family. In addition to guiding visitors through their registration for free groceries, each farmer also offers a brief online tour of their farm.

All featured farmers on www.FarmersFeedUs.org include:

• Brian Asmus, egg farmer, Winthrop
• Judy Bode, hog farmer, Courtland
• Shannon Kuball, dairy farmer, Waterville
• Kent Meschke, turkey farmer, Little Falls
• Brian Schafer, cattle farmer, Goodhue
• Greg Schwarz, corn farmer, Le Sueur
• Charity Vold, dairy farmer, Glenwood
• Matt Widboom, soybean farmer, Worthington
• Bill Wuertz, chicken farmer, Paynesville

Over the course of the 90-day campaign, consumers throughout the state will also see and hear from these farmers as they are featured in television advertising and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/mnfarmersfeedus) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mnfarmersfeedus).

The Farmers Feed Us sweepstakes will also be the featured attraction at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s booth at the 2010 Minnesota State Fair. Attendees can visit the booth in the Horticulture Building, meet some of the featured farmers (schedule varies) and sign up for the sweepstakes.

Participating Minnesota agriculture groups include the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Pork Board, Midwest Dairy Association, Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, Minnesota Farm Bureau, Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council, Minnesota Turkey Research and Promotion Council, Broiler and Egg Association of Minnesota, Minnesota Beef Council, Minnesota Farm & Food Coalition, Southeast Minnesota Ag  Alliance, and Gold n’ Plump.

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About MTGA

MTGA is a nonprofit trade organization that began in 1939 with a mission to foster a successful turkey industry in Minnesota. The state ranks #1 for turkey production and processing in the U.S. with its 250 turkey farmers expected to raise approximately 45 million turkeys this year. Minnesota has the most family-owned turkey farms of any state in the U.S. and many of these turkey producers are 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th generation farmers. For more information, visit www.minnesotaturkey.com.

Contact:                                                                                  

Vanessa Tait, Group Leaf LLC                            Lara Durben, Minnesota Turkey Growers Association

Ph: 651/308-8027                                                   Ph: 763/682-2171 (office) or 612/554-0920 (cell)

vanessa@groupleaf.com                                   lara@minnesotaturkey.com

Turkey Drumstick Goes “Buffalo”; Concession Stand Gets Facelift

(Buffalo, MN) … Now it its 52^nd year, Turkey To Go concession will serve up the tastiest turkey at the 2010 Minnesota State Fair. The Minnesota Turkey Growers Association (MTGA), which owns the concession, also announces a new look to the concession stand and a new flavor option for its slow-roasted turkey drumstick.

The concession has received some major improvements, according to MTGA Executive Director Steve Olson. “New siding, a new roof and new signage will definitely spruce up the outside of the building. Inside, several improvements are being made to ensure that our building is in top-notch shape and our customers continue to enjoy the Turkey To Go experience.”

Fairgoers will certainly notice the new rooftop sign, which will be illuminated by environmentally-friendly LED lighting, courtesy of Once Innovations, an Allied Member of MTGA based in Plymouth, MN. Many turkey farmers use this same LED lighting in their turkey barns.

Of course, what really counts at the State Fair is the turkey!  Turkey To Go will continue to serve its popular Giant Juicy Turkey sandwich and Slow-Roasted Turkey Drumstick, according to Drew Levin of Turkey To Go. “Customers will be able to order our roasted drumstick with a sweet glaze, naked (original), or our new buffalo sauce that kicks it up a notch.”

The sandwich will sell for $6, while the drumstick is priced at $7. Also on the menu is our refreshing lemonade with fresh raspberries and lime.

For the third straight year, a portion of every sale at Turkey To Go will be donated to Hunger Solutions Minnesota (www.hungersolutions.org), an organization that is dedicated to ending hunger. “Minnesota’s turkey producers are proud to share the success they have had over the past 51 years at the State Fair with Minnesotans who may be struggling to put food on their tables this year,” said Olson.

About Turkey To Go

Turkey To Go concession is located at 1256 Clough Avenue, next door to the All-You-Can-Drink Milk Stand.

Fans can find Turkey To Go on Facebook – www.facebook.com/turkeytogo.

Turkey To Go also opened up a mobile food cart in August in downtown Minneapolis. The food stand serves the same menu and can be found most days at South 8^th Street and Nicollet Mall. A second location option at South 6^th Street and Hennepin Avenue is utilized during Minnesota Twins’ home games.  For up-to-date location information, follow Turkey To Go on Twitter: www.twitterlcom/turkeytogo.

About MTGA

MTGA is a nonprofit trade organization that began in 1939 with a mission to foster a successful turkey industry in Minnesota. The state ranks #1 for turkey production and processing in the U.S. with its 250 turkey farmers expected to raise approximately 45 million turkeys this year. Minnesota has the most family-owned turkey farms of any state in the U.S. and many of these turkey producers are 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th generation farmers. For more information, visit www.minnesotaturkey.com.

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Minneapolis, MN. (Aug. 9, 2010) – Whoever said there’s no such thing as a free lunch has never met Minnesota’s farmers. In fact, they are offering the chance for all Minnesota residents to win a free breakfast, lunch and dinner by way of free groceries– for an entire year.

Beginning today, Minnesota residents can register for two grand prizes of “Free Groceries for a Year!”* courtesy of Minnesota’s farmers, at www.FarmersFeedUS.org. Upon visiting the site, consumers register by “meeting a Minnesota farmer” through a short video that shows how they produce safe, nutritious and affordable food. Consumers can register with each of the nine featured farmers daily through Nov. 6, the end of the 90-day program.

The Farmers Feed US website features beef, chicken, corn, dairy, egg, hog, soybean, and turkey farmers from across the state, each sharing information about their farm and their family. In addition to guiding visitors through their registration for free groceries, each farmer also offers a brief online tour of their farm.

Featured farmers include:

·                     Brian Asmus, egg farmer, Winthrop

·                     Judy Bode, hog farmer, Courtland

·                     Shannon Kuball, dairy farmer, Waterville

·                     Kent Meschke, turkey farmer, Little Falls

·                     Brian Schafer, cattle farmer, Goodhue

·                     Greg Schwarz, corn farmer, Le Sueur

·                     Charity Vold, dairy farmer, Glenwood

·                     Matt Widboom, soybean farmer, Worthington

·                     Bill Wuertz, chicken farmer, Paynesville

“As Minnesota farmers, we’re thrilled to offer free groceries for a year to the consumers of our great state,” said Shannon Kuball, a dairy farmer from Waterville, Minnesota, who is a featured farmer on FarmersFeedUS.org. “This is an opportunity for us to share what we produce with Minnesota consumers and to let them know we share their values - taking care of our families, taking care of our animals and land and giving back to our communities.” 

Over the course of the 90-day campaign, consumers throughout the state will also see and hear from these farmers as they are featured in television advertising and on Facebook and Twitter.

Participating Minnesota agriculture groups include the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Pork Board, Midwest Dairy Association, Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, Minnesota Farm Bureau, Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council, Minnesota Turkey Research and Promotion Council, Broiler and Egg Association of Minnesota, Minnesota Beef Council, and Gold n’ Plump.

*Based on Food Marketing Institute figures, a $5,000 value.

# # #

Mark Crouser 
mark.crouser@foodintegrity.org 
(816) 556-3134 

The Center for Food Integrity is a not-for-profit corporation established to build consumer trust and confidence in the contemporary U.S. food system. Our members, who represent every segment of the food system, are committed to providing accurate information and addressing important issues among all food system stakeholders. The Center does not lobby or advocate for individual food companies or brands. For more information, visit www.foodintegrity.org.

Contacts:

Lara Durben, MTGA |  763/682-2171  | lara@minnesotaturkey.com

Drew Levin, Turkey To Go  | 352/246-8321 |  drewlevin68@gmail.com   

(July 29, 2010) … Minnesota Turkey Growers Association (MTGA), owner of the Turkey To Go Concession at the Minnesota State Fair, is pleased to announce the opening of a Turkey To Go mobile food trailer on the streets of Minneapolis.

 Best known for its “Giant Juicy Turkey Sandwich,” the Turkey To Go mobile food trailer will be operating the first week in August, according to Steve Olson, MTGA Executive Director. “Our target opening date is August 3. This is a new venture for Turkey To Go, and we’re excited to be dishing up our tasty turkey along with the addition of some new sweet treats.”

Customers can satisfy their craving for our turkey sandwich at one of two downtown Minneapolis locations:

• Corner of South 8^th Street and Nicollet Mall
• Corner of South 6^th Street and Hennepin Avenue

The mobile trailer will typically be at the 8th and Nicollet location during the lunch rush and move to South 6th Street and Hennepin in the evening.

Turkey To Go’s mobile locations will be listed on www.minnesotaturkey.com and also available on Twitter - simply follow @TurkeyToGo to find out exactly when and where the mobile food unit will be.

The mobile Turkey To Go will be offering the same Minnesota grown items as served at the State Fair, including the Giant Juicy Turkey Sandwich, Marinated Turkey Drumsticks (available in various flavors) and lemonade with fresh raspberries and lime. In addition to these signature items, the mobile trailer will be offering build-your-own ice cream sandwiches.

“The ice cream and cookies are made from scratch locally and are a delicious addition to our menu options,” said Drew Levin of Turkey To Go.

The mobile food trailer was made possible after the Minneapolis City Council passed an ordinance in April allowing the operation of licensed food carts.

About Turkey To Go

Turkey To Go Concession has been serving up turkey since 1959 at the Minnesota State Fair. The State Fair location is at 1256 Clough Avenue, next door to the All-You-Can-Drink Milk Stand. Turkey To Go is owned by the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association (MTGA).

MTGA is a nonprofit trade association founded in 1939 to foster a successful turkey industry in Minnesota. Minnesota ranks #1 for turkey production and processing in the U.S. with its 250 turkey farmers expected to raise approximately 45 million turkeys this year. Minnesota has the most family-owned turkey farms of any state in the U.S. and many of these turkey producers are 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th generation farmers.

For more information on Minnesota’s turkey industry, visit www.minnesotaturkey.com.

(Buffalo, MN) … One recipient has spent 37 years in the agricultural lending industry while the other is known quite simply as “a legend” in the turkey industry. Both are well-deserving of an award they received from the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association (MTGA) last week in Duluth, MN.

Dr. G. Yan Ghazikhanian, Aviagen Turkeys, and Roger Refling, United FCS in Willmar, MN, were each honored with the 2010 MTGA Allied Lifetime Achievement Award at the organization’s 2010 Summer Meeting.

 

 

 

Photo cutlines: Dr. James Trites, Elanco Animal Health, and Dr. G. Yan Ghazikhanian, Aviagen Turkeys; and Roger Refling, United FCS, and Gregg Veldman, Novus International

 

The award is based on several criteria:

• Long-term service to the industry (20+ years).
• Long-term support of the MTGA.
• Well-respected by peers and customers.
• Commitment to enhance Minnesota’s turkey industry.

 

MTGA Allied Committee Chairman Gregg Veldman, Novus International, and Dr. James Trites, Elanco Animal Health, made the awards presentation.

 

Dr. Yan Ghazikhanian

“Dr. Yan Ghazikhanian is a leading figure in developing and implementing some very important disease eradication and poultry health programs and is quite simply considered a “legend” in his field and in the turkey industry,” said Trites.

 

Dr. Ghazikhanian, who is known throughout the world as “Dr. Yan,” has served Nicholas Turkeys (now Aviagen Turkeys) and the global turkey industry for over 30 years.  In 1963 Dr. Yan received his D.V.M. from the University of Tehran in Iran.  He then came to the United States where he earned his Master’s and Ph.D. in microbiology and pathology at the University of California at Davis.  While a graduate student, Dr. Yan conducted extensive research on Mycoplasma meleagridis and Mycoplasma synoviae.

 

After achieving his Ph.D., Dr. Yan started his career with USDA/APHIS as head of the Diagnostic Mobile Laboratory in the Exotic Newcastle Task Force.  His work in that field earned him two certificates of achievement from USDA/APHIS and the California Department of Agriculture.

 

In 1974 Dr. Yan joined Nicholas as a staff veterinarian and was appointed director of veterinary medicine in 1983. During his career Dr. Yan has traveled widely in customer service and is well known and appreciated for his abilities as a practical field diagnostician.  He has spent many days in turkey barns around the world, working with customers to diagnose, treat and prevent health problems.

 

Dr. Yan also conducted research and diagnostic work for Nicholas.  He was particularly instrumental in the successful program to eliminate Mycoplasma meleagridis (or “MM”) from all Nicholas breeding stock and assisted customers in the implementation of MM programs at the parent stock level.   Dr. Yan also eradicated Mycoplasma iowae from Nicholas breeding stock in the early 1990’s.

 

In the late 70’s and early 80’s, Dr. Yan eradicated Salmonella arizonae from Nicholas breeding stock and led the way in developing salmonella eradication strategies at primary and multiplier breeding levels throughout the turkey industry.

 

Dr. Yan has served as president of the American Association of Avian Pathologists, was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to the General Conference Committee of the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP), and he served on the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association Research Advisory Committee. 

 

At the University of California at Davis, Dr. Yan was made Honorary Clinical Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine in the veterinary school.  In 2002 the California Poultry Federation bestowed on Dr. Yan its highest honor, The Golden Rooster award and in 2008 the American Association of Avian Pathologists granted Dr. Yan a lifetime membership.

 

Dr. Yan is still very active in the poultry industry, working with Aviagen and its customers on a part time basis.  He and his wife Cheryl continue to reside in Sonoma, California and they have a daughter, a son and three grandchildren.

 

Roger Refling, United FCS

“Roger Refling is well known within the agricultural banking industry in Minnesota, having worked in a variety of capacities for Farm Credit Services for 37 years, and he has been a long-time member and supporter of both MTGA and the National Turkey Federation,” said Veldman.

 

Mr. Refling graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business Administration. He served in the Air Force for three years, and then started his employment career working for the Federal Housing Administration for one year before starting with Farm Credit Services.

 

Since 1973 Roger has worked for the Farm Credit System in a number of relationship management and administration positions. Including:

o   8 years as Branch Manager in Canby MN

o   4 years as the Vice President of Branch Operations for the Madison PCA Office

o   9 years as Special Accounts Officer for the Madison Branch of Farm Credit Services of MN Valley

o   11 years as Business Development Officer, 3 years as Sr. Credit Officer and 9 years as Vice President of Commercial Finance for Farm Credit Services of MN Valley in Willmar     

o   And his current position, which he has held since 2007, Vice President of AgriBusiness for United FCS in Willmar

 

Throughout his 37 year career with FCS, Roger has had a passion for agriculture and the customers he has served. He has been the company’s poultry expert for a number of years on staff and we are told he thoroughly enjoys working with the customers he has built relationships with.  Roger and his wife Joan have three grown children.

 

About MTGA

The MTGA, founded in 1939 and currently headquartered in Buffalo, MN, is a nonprofit association dedicated to fostering a successful Minnesota turkey industry and its ability to make positive contributions to consumers, the economy, the environment and its members. Minnesota is currently ranked #1 for turkey production in the U.S. with its 250 turkey farmers expected to raise approximately 45 million turkeys in 2010. Minnesota has the most independent turkey farmers of any state in the U.S. For further details, visit www.minnesotaturkey.com.   

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(Buffalo, MN )  … The Minnesota Turkey Research and Promotion Council (MTRPC) has honored Kent and Lynn Meschke, Little Falls, Minn., as its Turkey Promoters of the Year.

“One of the primary functions of the MTRPC is to promote turkey to consumers and to promote the industry to the general public,” said Steve Olson, MTRPC Executive Director. “One popular way we do that is through our Turkey To Go restaurant at the Minnesota State Fair.”

In 2009 the organization decided to change the cooking procedure for the turkey sandwich that is sold at the Turkey To Go restaurant, in part to improve safety for the restaurant workers but also to meet the growing demand for the sandwich and decrease labor needs.

“Changing the cooking procedure also dictated a need to adapt the sandwich recipe,” said Olson. “Early in that process Kent and Lynn Meschke took an active role in assisting with refining the recipe. Their initiative helped the restaurant reach record sales this past year and we are pleased to recognize their efforts with the Promoter of the Year Award.”

The Meschkes own and operate Meschke Poultry, raising 700,000 light hens per year that are marketed through Northern Pride Cooperative in Thief River Falls. The operation consists of brood and grow out facilities and a feed manufacturing facility in Little Falls.

The award was presented at the MTRPC Annual Meeting on March 17 in St. Paul, Minn.

For more information about the Promoter of the Year Award or the Minnesota Turkey Research & Promotion Council, please call 763/682-2171, email info@minnesotaturkey.com or visit www.Minnesotaturkey.com.

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High Resolution Photo

Photo cutline: From left, 2009 MTGA President Rahn Annis, Kent Meschke, Lynn Meschke and MTGA Executive Director Steve Olson

(Buffalo, MN )  … The Minnesota Turkey Growers Association (MTGA) has honored Kim Gorans, a turkey producer from Blomkest, Minn., for showing true dedication and commitment to the goals of the association.

Gorans and his family operate Gorans Brothers, which in 2009 was designated Minnesota’s first Discovery Farm. The intent of the Discovery Farms program, overseen by the Minnesota Ag Waters Resource Coalition, is to gather research data on current on-farm agricultural practices.

This designation got its start approximately six years ago, when Gorans approached the University of Minnesota about conducting research on his family’s farm to compare water quality from manure applied cropland to cropland that uses commercial fertilizer.

 “The project, run by Dr. John Moncrief, a soil scientist at the U of MN, has since yielded valuable data that should allow environmental agencies to better allocate resources to improve water quality,” said Annis. “To recognize his initiative, curiosity and leadership, I am pleased to present Kim with this year’s President’s Award.”

The official award presentation took place at the MTGA’ s annual meeting in St. Paul, Minn. on March 17.

For more information on the MTGA or its President’s Award program, please contact the MTGA at (763) 682-2171 or visit www.Minnesotaturkey.com.

About MTGA

The MTGA, founded in 1939 and currently headquartered in Buffalo, MN, is a nonprofit association dedicated to fostering a successful Minnesota turkey industry and its ability to make positive contributions to consumers, the economy, the environment and its members. Minnesota is currently ranked #1 for turkey production in the U.S. with its 250 turkey farmers raising approximately 45 million turkeys in 2009. Minnesota has the most independent turkey farmers of any state in the U.S. For further details, visit www.minnesotaturkey.com.   

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High Resolution Photo

Left to right: Kim Gorans and 2009-10 MTGA President Rahn Annis

(Buffalo, MN )  … The Minnesota Turkey Growers Association (MTGA) presented its prestigious Ranelius Award to Dr. Ron Lippert of Willmar, Minn., at its annual meeting on March 17 in St. Paul.

“The Ranelius Award is the most prestigious honor given by the MTGA,” said Rahn Annis, 2009-10 MTGA President. “It signifies leadership and dedication to the industry based on contributions made to enhance Minnesota’s turkey industry, and Dr. Ron Lippert is well deserved of this special honor.”

Annis said Dr. Lippert leads by example. “He meets challenges head-on by developing strategies to correct problems and he does it with insight and integrity.”

Over a decade ago, turkeys in Minnesota were hit by a new virus, Avian Pneumovirus, and the industry went through a process of identifying the disease; understanding its mode of transmission; developing a vaccine as a control strategy; and then planning for its eradication. “Dr. Lippert was instrumental throughout this entire process,” said Annis, “and thanks in large part to his efforts, the disease virtually has been eradicated in Minnesota.”

Lippert is a graduate of St. John’s University, Collegeville, Minn., and received his D.V.M. degree from the University of Minnesota. He worked for several years in private practice, mainly in dairy, before taking a staff veterinary position with Willmar Poultry Company. He and his wife, Scooter, are the proud parents of three children – Alexa, Katie and Luke.

Said Annis: “Thank you, Dr. Lippert, for your commitment and service to Minnesota’s turkey industry.”

The Ranelius Award is named for Sven Ranelius, a founding father of the MTGA, often described as a quiet, unselfish person who was very dedicated to the turkey industry in

Minnesota. Nominees are evaluated on two central criteria: their contribution to the industry over a period of time; and the quality of that contribution.

                                  For more information on the MTGA or its Ranelius Award program, please contact Lara Durben at 763/682-2171 or lara@minnesotaturkey.com.  

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About MTGA

The MTGA, founded in 1939 and currently headquartered in Buffalo, MN, is a nonprofit association dedicated to fostering a successful Minnesota turkey industry and its ability to make positive contributions to consumers, the economy, the environment and its members. Minnesota is currently ranked #1 for turkey production in the U.S. with its 250 turkey farmers raising approximately 45 million turkeys in 2009. Minnesota has the most independent turkey farmers of any state in the U.S. For further details, visit www.minnesotaturkey.com.   

HIgh Resolution Photo

Photo cutline: 2009-10 MTGA President Rahn Annis and Dr. Ron Lippert

April 6, 2010

Contact: Lara Durben, lara@minnesotaturkey.com

(Buffalo, MN)…Rahn Annis, outgoing 2009 President and Board Director of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, was honored by MTGA for his 9 years of service to the organization’s Board of Directors at its Annual Meeting on March 17 in St. Paul, Minn.

“On behalf of MTGA, I thank Rahn for his many years of dedication and leadership to our organization,” said 2010 President Kent Meschke, Meschke Poultry, Little Falls, Minn.

Annis currently serves as Vice President, Live Production for Jennie-O Turkey Store Company.  He has spent almost 26 years in the turkey industry.

Annis graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison with a B.S. in poultry science and went on to receive his M.S. in meat and animal science with an emphasis in ag business from Iowa State University. He started his career as a livestock specialist for Midland Cooperatives, which merged into Land O’Lakes and has worked for Jennie-O Turkey Store (formerly Jennie-O Foods, Inc.) since 1986.

Annis served as an MTGA Board Director since 2001. He is also current Chairman of the Minnesota Turkey Council’s Research Funding Committee.

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About MTGA

The MTGA, founded in 1939 and currently headquartered in Buffalo, MN, is a nonprofit association dedicated to fostering a successful Minnesota turkey industry and its ability to make positive contributions to consumers, the economy, the environment and its members. Minnesota is currently ranked #1 for turkey production in the U.S. with its 250 turkey farmers raising approximately 45 million turkeys in 2009. Minnesota has the most independent turkey farmers of any state in the U.S. For further details, visit www.minnesotaturkey.com.   

Editor’s note: Head shot available upon request.