Turkey may be eaten most often for Thanksgiving, but over the past 40 years, more Americans have enjoyed this protein year-round. In fact, in 1970 we consumed 50 percent of all turkey during the holidays, but today that number has dropped to 31 percent, as people eat this poultry throughout the year.
SEE ALSO: Turkey Trivia From Bird Brains to ‘Birdzilla’
Check out more facts from the most recent statistics we found about turkey production:
- Illinois farmers produce close to 3 million turkeys a year.
- The average turkey weighs 15 pounds and contains 70 percent white meat and 30 percent dark meat.
- The United States consumed 16.1 pounds of turkey per person, and turkey ranked as the No. 4 protein choice for American consumers.
- The turkey sector employs between 20,000 and 25,000 people in the United States.
- The most popular turkey product is the whole turkey.
- Exports make up more than 12 percent of total turkey production in the United States. The top markets include China, Hong Kong and Canada.
SEE ALSO: Talking Turkey at Kauffman Farms
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