Ohio Turkeys Go Presidential: This is How Ohio State Lends a Hand

Two of these turkeys being raised in western Ohio will travel to the
White House this Thanksgiving season. (Photo courtesy of Cooper Farms)

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Two lucky and grateful birds from the Buckeye state have been chosen this year for the presidential turkey pardon, which will take place Nov. 26 in the White House.

Cooper Farms, located in western Ohio, is providing the turkeys for the annual Thanksgiving tradition. The honor of supplying the birds is bestowed upon the chairperson of the National Turkey Federation — a position currently held by Gary Cooper, chief operating officer of the family-owned poultry operation.

These “presidential” birds, as well as the millions of other turkeys raised in Ohio each year, benefit from the internationally recognized research in breeding, nutrition and animal health conducted by researchers at Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

Cooper said basic research involving turkeys conducted at the college’s research arm, the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, has provided the poultry industry with much-needed information, particularly on genetics and disease.

“Leading poultry companies use these research findings to enhance their understanding of more efficient husbandry methods,” he said. Cooper Farms is the largest turkey producer in Ohio and the 12th largest in the U.S.

The college also works closely with the state’s poultry industry through its outreach arm, OSU Extension, delivering research findings and current information on issues such as emerging diseases and food safety.

Jeff LeJeune, head of the college’s Food Animal Health Research Program, said Ohio State has a long history of working with Cooper Farms and other poultry farmers to address production issues.

“We have provided diagnostic services to help detect and identify the causes of poor performance or illnesses,” LeJeune said. “In addition, we provide critical information about the strains of influenza viruses circulating in turkey populations so (producers) can make decisions on how to best protect their animals.

“We also work closely with their veterinary staff on a regular basis to discuss food safety issues such as campylobacter, salmonella and antimicrobial resistance.”

Ohio State’s research and outreach helps the turkey industry remain successful. According to the Ohio Poultry Association, Ohio ranks ninth nationally in turkey farming, producing more than 219 million pounds of turkey each year, valued at more than $158 million. Additionally, the state’s turkey industry is responsible for the creation of 2,183 jobs and $71 million in earnings.

The two turkeys that will soon travel to Washington, D.C. will be selected from a special flock of 20 birds that Gary Cooper’s son, Cole, has been raising on his farm in Ft. Recovery, Ohio. More information about the “presidential” flock, including pictures and videos, is available at cooperfarms.com/turkey/Home.aspx.

Learn more about CFAES’ pioneering work on turkey muscle growth development, one of several lines of turkey-related research taking place at the college, at go.osu.edu/srQ.