According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the poultry industry reported an injury rate of 2.4 per 100 full-time workers. This is below the rate of 3.2 for similar agricultural industries and lower than 3.3 for the entire food manufacturing sector, all manufacturing industries at 2.7 and all general industry at 2.6.

The 2024 incident rate of 2.4 in poultry processing marks a 90% reduction from 1994, when the recorded rate was 22.7, the oldest data available from BLS. This significant decline reflects the industry’s ongoing commitment to improving workplace safety.

“Working safely is part of our industry’s values of taking care of our folks,” said Rick Hellinga, senior director of Safety, Health and Loss Prevention at Simmons Foods and chair of the Joint Poultry Industry Safety & Health Council. “Our workforce is at the heart of producing nutritious, affordable food, and the industry is continually advancing safety practices, training and technology to reduce workplace hazards. As a result, we have seen meaningful progress in reducing injuries and illnesses over the years.”

The Joint Poultry Industry Safety & Health Council is made up of members from NTF, NCC and USPOULTRY. Collectively, the three organizations represent 95% of the nation’s poultry products, and their members generate more than 1.4 million total U.S. jobs.

Award program rules, regulations and application forms can be accessed here. The application deadline is May 15. The annual awards will be presented during the National Safety Conference for the Poultry Industry, Aug. 17-19, at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Destin, Fla.

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About the National Turkey Federation
The National Turkey Federation is the national advocate for America’s turkey farmers and processors, raising awareness for its members’ products while strengthening their ability to profitably and safely deliver wholesome, high-quality and nutritious food to consumers worldwide.

About U.S. Poultry & Egg Association
U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) is the All Feather Association progressively serving its poultry and egg members through research, education, communications and technical services. Founded in 1947, USPOULTRY is based in Tucker, Georgia.

About the National Chicken Council
The National Chicken Council (NCC) represents integrated chicken producer-processors, the companies that produce and process chickens. Member companies of NCC account for more than 95 percent of the chicken sold in the United States.

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., February 23, 2026 – The National Turkey Federation (NTF) today announced its 2026 officer team and Executive Committee members, elected by the Board of Directors during the 2026 NTF Annual Convention in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Christy Puffenbarger, vice president of technical services at Aviagen Turkeys, Inc., was elected to serve as chairwoman, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the organization’s more than 80-year history. She succeeds Jay Jandrain, president and CEO of Butterball, LLC., who served as chairman in 2025.

Russ Dierenfield of Tyson Foods will serve as vice chair and John King of Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative as secretary treasurer. Jandrain will move into the role of immediate past chair.

“Serving as chair of the National Turkey Federation is both an incredible responsibility and a milestone. Being the first woman to hold this role reflects how our industry continues to evolve, but it also underscores the importance of strong leadership rooted in experience, science and collaboration,” said Puffenbarger. “The turkey industry is facing complex challenges, from animal health and welfare to food safety and global trade, and progress will depend on thoughtful, practical solutions that work across the entire supply chain. NTF plays a critical role in bringing producers, processors and allied industry together, and I look forward to helping guide that work in a way that strengthens the industry today and positions it for the future.”

Puffenbarger brings more than three decades of experience in turkey production and live operations. She joined Aviagen Turkeys, Inc. in 2006, where she currently leads its global technical services team, partnering with customers across the United States and internationally to support flock health, welfare and performance. She previously spent 17 years with Rocco/Cargill in a variety of production leadership roles and has long been active within NTF, serving on the Executive Committee, Welfare Standards Subcommittee and Animal Health Task Force. Christy earned both her BBA and MBA from James Madison University and resides in Virginia with her husband, Kent.

Joining Puffenbarger, Dierenfield, King and Jandrain on the 2026 Executive Committee will be:

• Brandon Achen
• Kevin Atkins
• Ryan Downes
• Darrin Froemming
• Peter Gruhl
• Dr. Michelle Kromm
• Blair McCorriston
• Matt Schrupp
• Curtis Walcott
• Jordan Woodbury
• John Zimmerman

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Fort Lauderdale, FL (February 19, 2026) – The National Turkey Federation (NTF) proudly honored Paul Hill of Ellsworth, Iowa, with the NTF Lifetime Achievement Award on Thursday during the 2026 National Turkey Federation Annual Convention in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The award recognizes Hill’s decades of leadership, service and lasting contributions to the U.S. turkey industry.

Hill’s career reflects a lifetime commitment to turkey production, processing and industry leadership. His family’s involvement in turkey farming dates to 1947, and in 1957 the Hill family became among the first in Iowa to raise breeder turkeys.

Hill earned a degree in economics from St. Olaf College before spending time doing mission work in Thailand and serving in the National Guard. After marrying his wife, Mary, in 1967, Hill returned to Ellsworth, where he raised turkeys as well as crops and cattle. Over the years, he worked with several major turkey processors, including Land O’Lakes, Thompson Industries, Bil Mar Foods, Sara Lee, Louis Rich and ultimately West Liberty Foods.

Hill was one of the nearly 50 Iowa turkey farmers who came together in 1996 to form West Liberty Foods, a farmer-owned company. Hill later served as Chairman of the Board for West Liberty Foods.

Beyond his work at West Liberty Foods, Hill has been a long-time leader at the national level. He served as Chairman of the National Turkey Federation and, in 2008, had the honor of presenting the National Thanksgiving Turkey to President George W. Bush at the White House. Additionally, in 2016, Hill served as chairman of the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, the world’s largest poultry organization.

“Paul Hill’s more than half-century career in turkey embodies what the NTF Lifetime Achievement Award represents,” said NTF President and CEO Leslee Oden. “Paul has been a farmer, a processor, a national leader and he remains one of the most respected voices in the turkey industry. His decades of leadership created tremendous opportunities for turkey growers and helped carry the industry through some of its most pivotal moments.”

The NTF Lifetime Achievement Award is the federation’s highest individual honor and is presented to leaders whose careers have made a lasting and meaningful impact on the turkey industry. Hill is the 78th recipient of the NTF Lifetime Achievement Award.

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National Turkey Federation President and CEO Leslee Oden released the following statement after the release of the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans:

“The National Turkey Federation (NTF) applauds the work of USDA and HHS in developing the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) and their shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of all Americans. The DGA’s emphasis on animal protein as a cornerstone of healthy, balanced dietary patterns aligns with our shared goal of helping American families thrive through practical, affordable and accessible nutrition guidance.

“Turkey plays an important role in helping Americans meet the key nutritional goals outlined in the Dietary Guidelines. As a lean, nutrient-dense protein, turkey is naturally low in fat and rich in high-quality protein, essential amino acids and important vitamins and minerals. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of meals and dietary patterns, whether served as a traditional roast, prepared on the grill, eaten on a sandwich or incorporated into everyday dishes.

“Turkey products of all varieties provide safe, accessible and high-value nutrition that support healthy eating patterns when consumed as part of a balanced diet. NTF and its members remain committed to raising awareness of turkey’s role in nourishing communities and helping Americans make choices that support their long-term health.”

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WASHINGTON — National Turkey Federation (NTF) Chairman Jay Jandrain, president and CEO of Butterball, LLC, presented the National Thanksgiving Turkeys named Gobble and Waddle to President Donald Trump today during the 78^th National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation. After receiving their formal pardons from the president in the White House’s Rose Garden Club, Gobble and Waddle will return to North Carolina to live at North Carolina State University in Raleigh.

“Standing at the White House with President Trump to represent America’s turkey industry is truly an honor,” said Jandrain. “From farmers like the Pittman family who raise the birds, to the processors and everyone else who plays a part to get turkey to tables, this industry runs on people who care deeply about what they do. We’re extremely proud to feed families across the country and around the world. Today celebrates that mission, but it’s the dedication shown every day of the year that really matters.”

The 2025 National Thanksgiving Turkeys were raised in Kenly, North Carolina, by Butterball contract grower Travis Pittman in coordination with Jandrain and the Butterball live operations team. Gobble and Waddle weigh 52 and 50lbs. respectively.

Travis and his wife Amanda own and operate two turkey farms in central North Carolina for Butterball — Nahunta Community Farm and New Horizon Farm. The Pittman family, including one-year-old son, Carter, prepared the turkeys for their White House debut, ensuring they were comfortable with crowds, cameras and handling.

Jay Jandrain was named CEO of Butterball in 2018 after serving as chief operating officer. He has been with Butterball since 2002 in various leadership roles and holds a bachelor’s degree in food science from Cornell University.

During their time in Washington, D.C., the turkeys stayed at the historic Willard InterContinental Hotel. After the White House presentation, they will enjoy retirement in North Carolina, the second largest turkey producing state, at North Carolina State University under the care of the Prestage Department of Poultry Science, serving as agricultural education ambassadors.

Gobble, Waddle and all Butterball turkeys are American Humane Certified, providing third-party verification that their care and handling met or exceeded the American Humane Society’s science-based animal welfare standards.

Butterball is committed to reducing hunger nationwide. In 2024, the company donated over half a million meals to Feeding America and Operation BBQ Relief, plus 1.7 million servings of turkey to partners throughout the United States, including over 11,000 whole turkeys for Thanksgiving meals. This year, Butterball continued its holiday giving legacy by donating over 13,000 Thanksgiving turkeys and $40,000 to communities in need, as well as  $100,000 to Feeding America. Earlier this week, at a special send-off event for the turkeys, Butterball and the National Turkey Federation teamed up to donate $10,000 to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.

NTF’s participation in the National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation began in 1947 with President Harry Truman. Including today’s event, the Presentation has taken place for 78 years across 15 successive administrations.

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“Our industry believes strongly in responsibly managing the land and water involved in turkey production. The National Turkey Federation (NTF) appreciates the Trump Administration and EPA’s initiative aimed at establishing a clearer definition of Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) that can offer regulatory certainty for turkey farmers. NTF support efforts that bring clarity, consistency and practical guidance for agricultural operations.” – Leslee Oden, President & CEO, National Turkey Federation

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WASHINGTON, November 4, 2025 — Thanksgiving traditions are thriving, and turkey continues to take center stage at the holiday table. According to new consumer polling from the National Turkey Federation (NTF), 94% of Americans plan to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, underscoring that gratitude, family and great food remain cornerstones of the season. NTF estimates that nearly 30 million turkeys will be enjoyed across the country this Thanksgiving.

Families nationwide are keeping classic customs alive — 87% of those who celebrate say turkey is part of their holiday meal most years, and 74% plan to serve a whole bird. Most gatherings include three to ten guests (71%), with 59% planning to host, reinforcing that Thanksgiving remains a time to gather, share and give thanks.

To help home cooks prepare with confidence, NTF’s Thanksgiving 101 resource hub on EatTurkey.org offers step-by-step guidance for a stress-free holiday meal — from thawing and roasting to carving and storing leftovers safely. The site features a defrosting calculator, cooking time charts, recipes, carving tutorials, and leftover inspiration to keep turkey on the table all weekend long. The site also offers delicious meal ideas for enjoying turkey all year long.

Consumer insights were derived from an online survey conducted in August 2025 among a nationally representative sample of 1,000 consumers between the ages of 18 and 75. The research was commissioned by the National Turkey Federation and conducted by 210 Analytics, LLC.

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“The National Turkey Federation (NTF) praises the important work being done by USDA, HHS and EPA through the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission and report to improve the health and well-being of all Americans. We share their commitment to supporting healthy, balanced diets that help American families thrive. NTF commends MAHA’s efforts to modernize regulatory frameworks to streamline processes, while emphasizing that food safety must remain uncompromised.

Thanks to the hardworking men and women of the U.S. turkey industry, Americans can enjoy high-quality turkey that is lean, nutrient-dense, naturally low in fat and rich in high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of meals and dietary patterns, whether served as a traditional roast, prepared on the grill, eaten on a sandwich or incorporated into everyday dishes.

As the conversation around public health continues, NTF and its members remain dedicated to producing healthy food options and helping Americans make choices that support their long-term health.”

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Qualified research institutions, academic partners and private sector entities with demonstrated data analysis skills, preferably with expertise in microbial data analysis and meat/poultry systems, are invited to submit proposals by October 10, 2025.

For more information and to view the full RFP submission requirements, please view the attached PDF.

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