Farmers donate 200,000 pounds of poultry

INDIANAPOLIS (Inside INdiana Business) – The Indiana State Department of Agriculture on Monday honored poultry producers at the 74th annual Indiana state poultry recognition event. Over the past year, the department says Hoosier poultry farmers have donated nearly 200,000 pounds of poultry products to Indiana residents in need.

Eggs, chicken, duck and turkey were among the main products donated throughout the year.

According to the USDA National Agriculture Statistics Service, Indiana ranks No. 1 in duck production, No. 2 in egg production, No. 4 in turkey production and is home to high-quality broiler chicken production.

“Indiana’s agriculture industry is making strong economic impacts across the state, nationally and across the globe and that is due in part to Hoosier poultry producers,” said Governor Eric Holcomb. “As we enter the holiday season, let us all recognize the contributions Hoosier farmers make in ensuring our plates are full of a variety of nutritious foods, and, of course, all of our favorite seasonal treats.”

The department says the poultry industry contributes more than $12 billion in total economic activity and employs more than 12,000 Hoosiers.

The ISDA says the state’s poultry producers have a long history of working to address food insecurity in their local communities. According to ISPA President Becky Joniskan, over the last 12 months members have contributed more than seven million eggs to their local communities.