If the idea of eating locally this Thanksgiving sounds appealing, you are certainly not alone. Locally grown food and meat products are enticing to consumers for many reasons — from supporting local farmers to reducing your carbon footprint to knowing where the food on your table is coming from.

Here in Minnesota, the turkey industry has unique advantage in the local food movement.  “While Minnesota is certainly a big player when it comes to turkey production in the U.S. – we’re ranked No. 1 with about 49 million birds raised annually – we’re equally proud of the fact that Minnesota consumers can purchase a turkey that has been raised, in many cases, just down the road from their own homes,” said Steve Olson, executive director of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, based in Buffalo.

Whether you are planning a small gathering or hosting a large group of family and friends this Thanksgiving, Minnesotans can be proud to support local farmers with their turkey purchases at the supermarket.  Minnesota turkeys are raised with care by 250 farm families across the state – many of whom are third-, fourth- and even fifth-generation farmers.

“These turkey farmers, like their parents and grandparents before them, are committed to raising the healthiest of birds in order to provide consumers with a delicious, safe protein source,” said Olson. “What’s more, Minnesota’s turkey processing companies  – from Jennie-O Turkey Store in Willmar; Turkey Valley Farms in Marshall; and Northern Pride Cooperative in Thief River Falls –  are state-of-the art, diverse and offer thousands of turkey products to both the consumer and foodservice markets.”

This Thanksgiving, consumers can walk into their favorite supermarket and choose from fresh or frozen turkeys, organic and free range turkeys, turkey breasts, and even products that cater to those with specialized diet concerns, such as gluten-free turkeys – all raised right here in Minnesota, gobbling up Minnesota corn and soybean meal as their diet staples.

“Consumers can be thankful that Minnesota turkeys are raised with close ties to such towns as Pelican Rapids, Northfield, Melrose, Little Falls and Willmar – along with many other communities, large and small,” said Olson. “Turkey farmers live and work in these communities and they are committed to raising the absolute best turkeys in a clean, safe environment for their friends, neighbors, and their own families.”

MTGA has posted links to several sources of Minnesota grown turkey products on its Web site, www.minnesotaturkey.com. The Web site also links to a comprehensive Thanksgiving guide with tips for preparing this important and traditional holiday meal.