For the first time ever, a South Dakota-raised turkey will be the National Turkey Federation’s gift to the President in November.
Several young turkeys have been selected for the honor – but only two birds will be sent to Washington, DC. The “finalists” will be selected based on size and their ability as a
“show bird” to strut their stuff for the audience. The young turkeys are currently in a special Presidential suite on a turkey farm in Beadle County.
On Wednesday, Aug. 8, Dakota Provisions, South Dakota Poultry Industries Association and the National Turkey Federation (NTF) invite the public to meet the turkeys at a
media kick-off day. The event begins at 11 am at Riverside Colony, about 12 miles northeast of Huron.
Speakers at the event will include, Jeff Sveen, Chairman of the National Turkey Federation & Chairman of the Board of Dakota Provisions, Bob Drake, President of the Board, South Dakota Poultry Industries Association, David Zeman, Executive Director, South Dakota Poultry Industries Association.
The National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation is a ceremony that takes place at the White House every year shortly before Thanksgiving. The President of the United States is
presented with a live domestic turkey by the National Turkey Federation Chairman. This year the Dakota Provisions’ turkey raised at Riverside Colony will be presented to
President Donald Trump by NTF Chairman and South Dakota native Jeff Sveen.
(SDPIA)