The National Thanksgiving Turkey and its alternate departed from San Francisco International Airport on a United Airlines flight labeled “Turkey One,” headed to Washington, D.C. The turkeys are scheduled to be pardoned by President Obama during the annual White House ceremony on November 25. These Nicholas White turkeys were raised in California’s Central Valley over four months by Foster Farms, a family-owned poultry company, in partnership with the National Turkey Federation.
The birds traveled to the airport accompanied by their handlers and security detail. Their selection took place at Foster Farms’ Presidential Turkey Ranch near Modesto, where 20 finalists were evaluated by Dr. Jihad Douglas, Chairman of the National Turkey Federation, and Joe Hedden, a third-generation turkey farmer for Foster Farms. A fifth-grade class from Eisenhut Elementary in Modesto was present for the event. The official names for the turkeys will be chosen by the White House from suggestions submitted by California schoolchildren.
Joe Hedden explained the criteria for selection: “We wanted a proud bird, fit to meet the president. We chose this year’s birds based on superior plumage, posture, personality, sociability and manners. Our team worked to socialize the birds as they grew to prepare for the big day at the White House, which included playing music to acclimate to noise and teaching them to sit calmly on a table. This year’s turkeys are country music fans.”
Ira Brill, director of communications at Foster Farms and described as an unofficial Presidential Turkey Historian, said: “The annual presentation of the National Thanksgiving Turkey is an important tradition that pays tribute to Thanksgiving and recognizes the turkey industry’s role in the national holiday. Foster Farms is honored to raise the National Thanksgiving Turkey for the second time in five years and highlight the significant role of California agriculture in the national landscape.”
This year’s National Thanksgiving Turkey represents the Nicholas White breed from Sonoma Valley and features red and white coloring. According to Foster Farms, these turkeys are raised under conditions similar to all other company birds—housed in barns with misting and fans.
After being pardoned at Morven Park’s Turkey Hill in Leesburg, Virginia, both birds will live out their lives there. The rest of their flock will remain at Foster Farms’ ranch.
More information about this year’s ceremony can be found at www.presidentialturkey.com
