ARKANSAS, USA — Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders declared Arkansas Turkey Week to happen between Nov. 12-18 alongside the Arkansas Department of Agriculture on Nov. 17, in Little Rock.
Sanders declared the week to highlight the value that Arkansas' turkey industry adds to the state's economy.
“Agriculture is Arkansas’ biggest industry, and we’re all working hard to help our poultry producers grow and thrive," Sanders said. "Thank you to our great turkey producers for helping everyone take part in the Thanksgiving tradition."
The poultry industry leads the agriculture sector in Arkansas, according to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture.
“Arkansas produces 26 million turkeys per year, which provides over 550 million pounds of protein annually,” Agriculture Secretary Wes Ward said.
USDA reports say Arkansas is the third-largest turkey producer in the United States.
“Arkansas Turkey Week is an opportunity for us to celebrate the hardworking farmers who dedicate themselves to producing turkeys of the highest standards," Marvin Childers, president of The Poultry Federation, said.
Sanders pardoned two live Chocolate Turkeys at the proclamation event. The turkeys were provided by Jackson Barber and Kaden Ables who are members of Cabot's FFA Chapter and the Hog Wild 4-H Club in Lonoke County.
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