Indiana boasts 3 turkeys for every Hoosier resident

Indianapolis, Indiana – Indiana is home to a greater number of turkeys than there are residents in the state. For every single Hoosier in a population exceeding 6.8 million, there are three turkeys to be found.

Indiana ranks as the fourth-largest turkey producer in the United States. Leaders in poultry and agriculture share with I-Team 8 that opportunities for growth remain abundant.

In 2024, Indiana saw the production of over 20 million turkeys. In 14 counties, the turkey population surpasses that of the human residents. In certain counties, the turkey population surpasses the human population by a staggering ratio of 10 to 1.

Rebecca Joniskan serves as the president of the Indiana State Poultry Association, which is based at Purdue University. “While we rank No. 4 in terms of numbers, we proudly hold the No. 3 spot when it comes to weight.”

State leaders anticipate ongoing growth for Indiana’s turkey industry; however, this expansion will not be without its limits due to the variable costs associated with managing sizable flocks of gobblers.

Don Lamb, the director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, stated, “The costs that are beyond a producer’s control are truly one of the limiting factors.”

During Thanksgiving, many households feature whole turkeys as the centerpiece of their meals, but in Indiana, it’s not common to find these complete birds gracing the tables.

Joniskan stated, “Our focus isn’t on marketing whole birds; instead, the majority of our turkey is processed into ground turkey, with a significant emphasis on premium deli turkey meat.”

Encouraging the idea that turkey is a versatile option for any meal is a strategy state leaders believe will drive industry growth. Lamb stated, “Every product has a marketing challenge, which means we can consistently boost turkey sales throughout the year.”

However, turkey farming carries significant risks. The primary concern is disease, particularly bird flu. Joniskan stated, “It represents the greatest uncertainty.” “Should a disease be introduced, we are fully prepared.”

This year, Indiana has experienced just one bird flu outbreak. However, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources reports that in 2022 and 2023, there were outbreaks in 10 commercial flocks and six backyard flocks.