Sauk Centre Turkey Farmer Pete Klaphake Named President of Minnesota Turkey Research and Promotion Council

For Immediate Release

Contact: Rebecca Groos, (763) 682-2171, rgroos@minnesotaturkey.com 

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BUFFALO, Minn. – The Minnesota Turkey Research and Promotion Council (MTRPC) elected has Pete Klaphake President of the Board. Klaphake – a third generation turkey grower from Sauk Centre – will lead the Council as President for a one-year term. 

“Pete’s wealth of knowledge about turkey farming and the industry will help guide the Council as it continues to navigate the pandemic and higher feed prices. He is the steady hand we need to continue our status as the number one producer of turkeys in the nation,” said Executive Director Sarah Anderson. 

Klaphake first won election to the Council in 2020. Now as President, he will guide the Council through continued investments in research related to turkey health and promotional efforts educating the public about turkey’s lean protein. 

Klaphake and his extended family own and operate Klaphake Feed Mill, Inc. and R&L Turkeys located west of Melrose, Minn. The Klaphake family has farms in Morrison, Todd, Stearns, and Douglas Counties along with a feed mill located near Melrose.  

The operation was started by Pete’s Grandpa, Gilbert, in the late 1960’s and he was later joined by Pete’s dad, Rick, and uncle, Leon. All three of them have been, or still are, active members of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association and MTRPC.  

Joining Klaphake on the Council Board include Vice President Loren “Butch” Brey from New Ulm and Treasurer Max Velo from Rothsay.  

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MTRPC is the oldest check-off based commodity organization in Minnesota, celebrating 56 years. Growers voluntarily support the programming of MTRPC through dues paid via the check-off. Since 1965, the MTRPC has worked diligently to encourage consumers to eat more turkey year-round, sponsor innovative turkey research and educate a variety of audiences about the benefits of turkey.

To learn more about MTRPC visit https://www.minnesotaturkey.com/. Find us on Facebook (@MinnesotaTurkey), Twitter (@MinnesotaTurkey), Instagram (MinnesotaTurkey) and YouTube (MinnesotaTurkey).

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