Gov. Dayton kicks off Thanksgiving Week with turkey in tow

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) - Before people settle in for Thanksgiving dinner next week, Governor Mark Dayton is going right to the source to say thanks.

Dayton and Lt. Governor Tina Smith met with Minnesota agriculture leaders as well as the star of the Thanksgiving meal: a turkey.

The bird is one of an estimated 46 million turkeys raised in Minnesota each year. Turkey production brings in $807 million each year and supports 26,000 jobs in Minnesota.

“Thanksgiving is a day for all of us to share with our families and friends, and to give thanks for our blessings,” said Governor Dayton. “This Thanksgiving, I encourage all Minnesotans to serve Minnesota-grown turkeys.”

As way to help more families enjoy a Thanksgiving meal, the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association is also donating more than 13,000 pounds of turkey to Hunger Solutions Minnesota.