Big Picture

Thanksgiving turkeys

Minnesota, US

Thanksgiving is a cherished American institution that began life as a harvest festival. Today it sees families across the US gather on the fourth Thursday of every November to celebrate, and to drink and eat – mainly turkey.

Minnesota has long been the turkey capital of the US and – some would argue – the world. Every year Minnesota turkey farmers raise 40-42 million birds.

Its 600 turkey farms and stakeholders generate an estimated $1bn in economic activity for Minnesota, and provide around 26,000 jobs.