© 2025 National Turkey Federation
1225 New York Avenue NW, Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20005
1225 New York Avenue NW, Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20005
WASHINGTON, March 3, 2025 – The National Turkey Federation (NTF) is thrilled to announce the full lineup for the 2025 Turkey Smoke series, the premier barbecue competition celebrating the art of turkey barbecue across competitions from coast to coast. This year's series features an expanded lineup of events, inviting pitmasters and barbecue enthusiasts to showcase turkey's versatility on the...
Press Releases
WASHINGTON, February 24, 2025 – The National Turkey Federation (NTF) is proud to announce J. Walter “Gator” Pelletier III as the recipient of the prestigious NTF Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his decades of leadership, innovation and commitment to the turkey industry. Gator received his award February 22, 2025, during the 2025 National Turkey Federation Annual Convention in...
Press Releases
WASHINGTON – The National Turkey Federation (NTF) announced the 2025 officer team and Executive Committee members recently elected by the Board of Directors at the 2025 NTF Annual Convention in Scottsdale, Arizona. [metaslider id="11245"] Jay Jandrain of Butterball, LLC. was elected to serve as chairman. Christy Puffenbarger of Aviagen Turkeys will serve as vice chairwoman and Leon...
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NTF’s 2024 Annual Report showcases the federation’s leadership in addressing key industry challenges, including the ongoing fight against HPAI and aMPV, expanding global access to turkey products, advocating for science-based food safety policies, and strengthening consumer engagement through Turkey Smoke and Tailgate with Turkey. The report also highlights trade victories, including the...
NTF Annual Reports
WASHINGTON – The National Turkey Federation (NTF) issued the following statement on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) decision to authorize importation of additional commercial modified live avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) vaccines: “The National Turkey Federation (NTF) applauds USDA’s approval for the importation of additional commercial modified live avian metapneumovirus...
Press Releases
WASHINGTON – The National Turkey Federation (NTF) issued the following statement on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s authorization of importation of modified live avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) vaccine: "The National Turkey Federation welcomes the USDA's approval of importation of a commercial modified live avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) vaccine, a massive advancement in protecting U.S....
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NTF Celebrates 77-year Tradition of National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation NTF Chairman John Zimmerman and his son Grant, 9, stand alongside President Joe Biden as he pardons Peach, the National Thanksgiving Turkey. WASHINGTON – National Turkey Federation (NTF) Chairman John Zimmerman presented the National Thanksgiving Turkeys named Peach and Blossom to President Joseph R. Biden,...
Press Releases
WASHINGTON – The National Turkey Federation and U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), co-chair of the Senate India Caucus, announced the first shipment of U.S.-grown turkey products from Virginia to India, marking a historic milestone in international trade, expanding the reach of American turkey products in global markets, and opening new doors for U.S. turkey producers. This shipment comes...
Press Releases
WASHINGTON –Today, the National Turkey Federation (NTF) shared helpful tips for Americans purchasing and preparing turkey to be served on the Thanksgiving table. With the holiday just over two weeks away, NTF highlighted the robust availability of turkey products featured at retailers nationwide as well as its comprehensive guide to preparing the holiday turkey, Thanksgiving...
Press Releases
Washington, D.C. – The National Turkey Federation (NTF) this morning announced the appointment of Alex Davidson as its new senior director of public affairs, effective August 19, 2024. Davidson, who joins NTF from the Beer Institute, brings a wealth of experience to this key role where he will lead public outreach for the U.S. turkey industry. “We are thrilled to welcome Alex to...
Press Releases
WASHINGTON – The National Turkey Federation (NTF) issued the following statement on the release of the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service’s (FSIS) Salmonella Framework Proposed Rule: “Since the release of FSIS' Proposed Regulatory Framework to Reduce Salmonella Illnesses Attributable to Poultry in 2022, the National Turkey Federation (NTF) and its members have actively...
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Washington, D.C. – The National Turkey Federation (NTF) announced the appointments of Dale Nellor as senior vice president of government affairs and Taya Machado as marketing manager. Nellor and Machado will formally assume their positions on July 8, 2024. Nellor brings to the NTF team more than 20 years of public policy experience working in Washington and will succeed Leslee Oden, who...
Press Releases
The National Turkey Federation (NTF) announced today that Leslee Oden has been named NTF President & CEO and will assume the leadership position in July when current President & CEO Joel Brandenberger retires after 17 years as head of the organization. The announcement was made by NTF Chairman John Zimmerman. “On behalf of the NTF Executive Committee, Board of Directors and...
Press Releases
Washington, D.C. - The National Turkey Federation (NTF) announced the 2024 officer team and Executive Committee members recently elected by the Board of Directors at the 2024 NTF Annual Convention in Austin, Texas. John Zimmerman of P&J Products, Co. was elected 2024 NTF chairman. Jay Jandrain of Butterball, LLC. will serve as vice chairman and Thierry Murad of AJC International, Inc., as...
Press Releases
NTF’s 2023 Annual Report highlights the federation’s response to crucial industry issues, including the ongoing HPAI outbreak, food safety, supply chain disruptions, legislative victories and government affairs priorities, turkey health, environmental issues, expanding global access to turkey products, Turkey Smoke and much more. Download the full report here.
NTF Annual Reports
The National Turkey Federation (NTF) is pleased to renew its partnership with the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS), kicking off the fifth year of the Turkey Smoke Series, which encourages both professional and amateur pitmasters to showcase the versatility and creativity of turkey on the smoker or grill. The Turkey Smoke Series features a turkey category in select...
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