About the Iowa Turkey Federation

 ITF was formed in 1948 to advocate for the enhancement of the turkey industry and its members. Throughout the years, the turkey federation has focused its efforts on increasing turkey consumption, promoting favorable legislation to the industry, educating producers, funding turkey research to assist growers and breeders, and to promote the best interests of the turkey industry.

History of the Formation of the Iowa Turkey Federation:

In 1941, W.R. Whitfield, an Iowa State University poultry extension faculty member, wrote an article titled “WHY ORGANIZE? Growers Benefit by Group Action” in a publication of the Iowa Turkey Growers Association, which started the discussion and formation of the Iowa Turkey Federation. In the article, Mr.Whitefield encourages Iowa farmers to organize a turkey growers association, stating,“Organization promotes contacts between growers by sponsoring meetings, publications, and programs.”

The turkey industry during this time was in transition. In 1948, Iowa turkey production numbers were declining, at 1,894,000 head, from production in 1946, where the numbers were at 3,114,000 head. This decline was needed following WWII, because of the decreasing demand at the conclusion of the war, as large supplies of turkey meat were needed to feed the troops overseas and the people at home. Producers were encouraged to reduce production. Because of this decline, 1948 became a memorable year for turkey prices. US live farm prices reached an all-time high of 46.7 cents per pound. In 1945, the National Turkey Federation started the “Eat More Turkey” campaign to readjust, after WWII demands from the large purchases the armed forces made were cut.

Before this, much of the marketing of turkey was seasonal. Processing was done before the holiday season, for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Since refrigeration was not available or was limited, the cold temperatures helped keep the turkeys cool after packaging. Turkey was only sold whole and was minimally processed. Most farms raised a few turkeys for special holiday meals and for their feathers.

In 1948, Iowa’s turkey farmers formed the Iowa Turkey Federation as a non-profit organization to serve the turkey industry in Iowa. Stated as an objective in ITF's Articles of Incorporation, ITF is, "To promote educational work and develop the interest of the turkey industry for the general betterment of such industry and not for pecuniary profit."  Since the beginning, promotion has been an integral part of the Iowa Turkey Federation.  

In 1972, turkey farmers voted for an excise tax on turkeys marketed with a focus on promotion. On July 1, 1972, the Iowa Turkey Marketing Council formed and also approved the “Eat More Turkey” (EMT) Check-off. This was at first voluntarily funded by farmers, as a “penny a poult” contribution. To this day, this program raises money for turkey research, producer and consumer education, and turkey promotion.