ANNUAL REPORT

MINNESOTA TURKEY GROWERS ASSOCIATION

2016-2017

I have been honored to represent the MTGA as your president over the past years. In 2016, we saw a year free of Highly-Pathogenic Avian Influenza and

while we continue to remain vigilant and worked on many HPAI-related projects, our organization was also able to get back to the business at hand. This included:

We continued to strengthen our connections at the State Capitol in Saint Paul with frequent meetings and interactions with the Governor’s office, especially with the Lieutenant Governor, and our support of A Greater Minnesota, a coalition of agriculture organizations focused on making sure candidates for office were and are supportive of a fair and equitable food and agriculture agenda for Minnesota.

We congratulated Minnesota Board of Animal Health and the University of Minnesota on the grand reopening of the Minnesota Poultry Testing Laboratory in Willmar, now with expanded building space and additional testing abilities. Also congrats to the new State Veterinarian and BAH Executive Director Dr. Beth Thompson, who replaced the retir-ing Dr. Bill Hartmann.

The Board of Directors underwent media training, which is so important for leaders in our industry. The media does call and request interviews, and while the MTGA office is always ready to serve as the voice of the industry, it is true that the story counts most when it comes from YOU.

The MTGA Board also instituted bi-weekly leadership team conference calls to keep officers up to date on issues of importance. Staff also wrapped up a restructuring of staff positions this year and we hired two new staffers.

On the communications front, MTGA worked with Board Director Wayne Knudsen to create a 2nd “Day in the Life of a Farmer” video. We debuted the WingTips blog, which featured several volunteer member bloggers. And Gobbles recorded record advertising sales as the publication continues its importance as the major printed communications vehicle for our members.

Members had a chance to network and attend education sessions at our Summer Conference in Duluth and we partnered with the University of Minnesota in September to hold an area a poultry meeting that was also broadcast online via a webinar format. Finally, the University of Minnesota’s new poultry Extension specialist, Abby Neu, worked closely with our office to submit monthly articles in Gobbles.

Sadly, we lost several leaders in the turkey industry this year - including Vance Larson, a long-time MTGA member and past chairman of the National Turkey Federation; Wally Wittenburg of North Dakota, and the father of current NTF Chairman Carl Wittenburg; and Dr. Kim Brinton, son of Gene and Nola Brinton. These leaders were mentors, friends and colleagues and they will be missed greatly.

As we wind down the 2016-17 fiscal year of MTGA, I wish for you peace, prosperity, and the best for the coming year!

FAST FACTIn 2016, MTGA donated $9,000 worth of turkey to food shelves and food banks through Hunger Solutions MN. Since 2001, MTGA has donated over 235,000 pounds of turkey total!

- Gene Brownfield, Winter Creek Farms, Redwood Falls, Minn.

BOARD OF DIRECTORSExecutive CommitteePresident – Gene Brownfield, Redwood FallsVice President – Chris Huisinga, WillmarTreasurer – Scott Christensen, Willmar

Board DirectorsDoug Dorn (Allied Rep), WillmarWayne Knudsen, New LondonNancy Kothrade,Paul Kvistad, Wood LakeErrol Lagred (Allied Rep), WillmarDana Nelson, KensingtonJeff Stauffenecker (Allied Rep), BrootenRe-elected Director: Scott ChristensenNew Directors: Nancy KothradeRe-elected Allied: Doug DornOutgoing Directors: John Gorton

Visiting with Senator Franken in Washington DC

2016 Governor’s Thanksgiving Presentation

Government & Public Affairs Government Affairs. The MTGA Board of Directors works closely with MTGA staff and its lobbyist, Bruce Kleven, to address key legislative and regula-tory issues for the Minnesota turkey industry, and to communicate those issues with members through an email newsletter (weekly during the session and once a month the rest of the year). MTGA and Kleven also work closely with other animal agriculture and commodity organizations and their lobbyists to make sure agricul-ture’s voice is heard at the State Capitol and within state agencies.

Poultry Day at the Capitol. This event was held February 16, 2017 where the group discussed a variety of issues of importance with legisla-tors, including property taxes, health care, permit streamlining, workforce development, fiscal initiatives, and buf-fer strips.

Lobbying at the National Level. In July, representatives of Minnesota’s turkey industry attended the National Turkey Federation (NTF’s) Summer Leadership Conference in Washington D.C. Along with a variety of NTF-organized activities and meetings, Minnesota attendees had a chance to meet with all of Min-nesota Congressional delegation as well as several members of Congress from Wisconsin and North Dakota, and participate in a “Leadership Dinner” with various regulatory agencies. The group visited Congressional leaders and met with USDA officials on several key issues including immigration, HPAI, WOTUS, and several others.

TURPAC. John Zimmerman is Minnesota’s TURPAC co-ordinator and raised over $26,000 for NTF’s political action committee this fiscal year, which placed Minnesota in 2nd place (behind #1 Iowa) for total TURPAC contributions. NTF’s total for TURPAC in 2016 was $246,618.

NTF Grassroots Champion Award. John Zimmerman received the 2017 Grassroots Champion Award from the National Turkey Federation.

Minnesota Board of Animal Health. MTGA member Paul Hanowski of Swanville continues to serve as a Director on the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, representing the poultry industry.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture. MTGA continues to maintain a good working relationship with the Commissioner of Agriculture Dave Frederick-son and MDA staff.

A Greater Minnesota (AGM). MTGA maintains an integral role in “A Greater Minnesota”, a grassroots advocacy organization made up of several agriculture groups. MTGA currently is the treasurer and works closely with AGM on a variety of projects that champion animal agriculture.

Minnesota Agricultural Water Resource Center (MAWRC). MTGA is a member of this organization, which aims to develop and implement a strategic educational, communications and public relations program to inform farmers in Minnesota about water quality issues and works on local TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) processes. MAWRC also coordinates the Discovery Farms program, of which Gorans Brothers is a participating member. Gene Brownfield of Red-wood Falls represents MTGA on MAWRC’s Board. MAWRC is an active participant in the Minnesota buffer discussion.

Statement of Membership and PrioritiesThe MTGA adopted 9 priorities for 2016 at its Annual Meeting in March.

1. Take an active role in developing and supporting reasonable legislation and regulation that will maintain competitiveness for the Minnesota turkey industry.

2. Seek state and federal funds to enhance turkey disease re-search initiatives.

3. Protect a turkey producer’s right to farm if the producer is complying with all appropriate rules and regulations.

4. Encourage reasonable and economical means for recycling and utilizing agricultural by-products, manure and waste.

5. Ensure that state and local officials understand and follow farm sanitation practices and respect property rights.

6. Maintain adequate funding and accountability to operate the turkey/research/teaching/extension functions of the University of Minnesota and the turkey health testing functions of the Board of Animal Health.

7. Gain active turkey industry representation on public bodies that set state policy.

8. Ensure that Minnesota does not become an “island” isolated from other states in the uses of bio-technology, contractual ar-rangements, flexible ownership structures, or competitive pricing structures.

9. MTGA is committed to the production of a safe and whole-some food product. MTGA promotes the prudent, responsible use of antibiotics in animals because antibiotic resistance is a concern for both veterinary and human medicine. MTGA sup-ports research investigating antibiotic-free feed additives and water solubles in the production of turkeys.

Poultry industry leaders met with Senator Amy Klobuchar in Washington DC at the NTF Leadership Conference.

At left, MTGA members met with Congressman Tim Walz in Washington D.C. at the NTF Leadership Conference.

Members, Events & Honors Membership. As of December 31, 2016 (membership runs January 1 – De-cember 31), the organization recorded 394 members – 96 Regular; 64 associate; 15 government/university; and 219 allied (this number includes multiple “rider” members per allied company).

Allied Membership. Allied membership was at 219 as of December 31, 2016. The Allied Committee members include: Gregg Veldman, Evonik; Randy Olsen, BVS; Barry Koppen and Scott Waldner of Purina Feeds; as well as the three MTGA Board allied representatives: Jeff Stauffenecker, Protein Alliance; Errol Lagred, Best Veterinary Solutions (chair); and Doug Dorn, United FCS.

Committees. Committees on the MTGA side include the Nominating Com-mittee and Issues Management, Outreach & Communications (IMOC) Committee; the Government Affairs Committee and Allied Committee were also revamped. The Poultry Health Committee straddles work on both the MTGA and MTRPC sides of the organizations. Most of these committees meet 2-3 times a year to provide feedback on MTGA programming.

Meetings. MTGA’s 2016 Annual Meeting was held March 16, 2016 at the Saint Paul RiverCentre in St. Paul. Several board, committee and taskforce meet-ings also were held throughout the year, as was the annual Board of Directors retreat in January.

Attendance at the 2016 Summer Leadership Conference topped 130 as the group met in Duluth Sponsorships totaled $18,750 - an increase from the previous year and a new record!

University of Minnesota. MTGA continues to maintain a good working relationship with the University of Minnesota. Steve Olson and Board Directors participated in meetings with administrators and sat on advisory committees. Dr. Carol Cardona continued into the 7th year of her appointment to the Pomeroy Endowed Chair.

Turkey To Go / State Fair Concession. MTGA’s State Fair consession, Turkey To Go, celebrated its 58th year at the Minnesota State Fair. Under manage-ment by The Turkey Guys, Inc., the restaurant had excellent sales for a menu that included the classic “Giant Juicy Turkey Sandwich” and a second larger turkey sandwich along with optional sandwich toppings. In addition, the restaurant of-fered its marinated turkey leg as well as offered a turkey and egg breakfast sandwich for the 2nd year.

MTGA continued its annual donation of a portion of the profits of the restaurant to Minnesota Hunger Solutions - this year, that totaled $9,000. Media interviews for TTG included all the major Twin Cities TV stations along with several radio stations.

Turkey To Go can be found at two stands at Target Field during Minnesota Twins home games.

Minnesota Board of Animal Health. MTGA works closely with the Minne-sota Board of Animal Health on a variety of issues and educational topics.

Scholarships. In addition to the longstanding Ranelius Scholarship program, MTGA member Gregg Veldman of Evonik worked with MTGA to on the 2nd year of a special scholarship program for family members of turkey farmers. The “Evonik Cares Scholarship” recipients ($2,500 each) included:• Alaine Buysse - a junior at South Dakota State University • Charles Christensen – a junior at North Dakota State University • Grace Taylor – a senior at Randolph High School• Jordan Helmin– A sophomore at South Dakota State University

Awards & Distinctions 2016 Ranelius AwardBob Peterson, Willmar, MN was presented with MTGA’s highest honor in March 2016.

Allied Lifetime Achievement Award MTGA bestowed the 2016 Allied Lifetime Achievement Award to Brad Kelley for his long-time service and pas-sion for Minnesota's turkey industry.

President’s Award MTGA honored Dr. Jill Nez-worski, Dr. Ben Wileman, Dr. Michelle Kromm, Dr. David Halvorson, and MTGA Execu-tive Director Steve Olson with President's Awards for going above and beyond during and after the HPAI crisis of 2015.

Unsung Heroes Award Cristian Flores Figuero and Jeannette Munoz Aguayo with MCROC were awarded the 1st-ever Unsung HEroes Award for their efforts during the HPAI crisis in 2015.

Ranelius Scholarship This year, MTGA awarded Ranelius Scholarships six students: Andrea Hanson, Brady Hinrichs, Brady Orsten, Elizabeth Theis, Eric Olson and Wyatt Wittenburg.

Area Meeting in Melrose

Communications & Media Gobbles. Gobbles is the major print communications vehicle for MTGA members. Special issues include the MPF Convention Preview (January); the Annual Research Issue (June); and the Allied Showcase (August). Advertising sales set a new record in 2016-17 and brings in revenue to offset all printing and postage costs, and current issues are posted to the MTGA’s member’s only section of www.minnesotaturkey.com.

Newsletters. The MTGA puts out two additional email-only newsletters for its mem-bers. Capitol Report focuses exclusively on state government activities. WingTips is a weekly e-newsletter for MTGA members as well as the Chicken & Egg Association of Minnesota and other friends of the poultry industry.

Website. The MTGA’s website includes consumer information about turkey farmers, turkey products, recipe links, and education/scholarship details. The member’s only section (password-secure) contains information on a variety of MTGA activities; a calendar of events, Capitol Reports, a special section for HPAI, as well as back issues of Gobbles.

Social Media. You can find MTGA on these social media platforms: www.facebook.com/minnesotaturkey (3,476 fans as of 2/28/2017) www.twitter.com/minnesotaturkey (1,760 followers as of 2/28/2017) www.youtube.com/user/minnesotaturkey.com www.pinterest.com/minnesotaturkey (296 followers as of 2/28/2017)

Disease Alerts. In order to ensure valuable communications between turkey produc-ers, MTGA partners with the Minnesota State Poultry Testing Laboratory and the Minnesota Board of Animal Health to send out disease alerts to authorized members. These alerts inform producers of a disease outbreak and in which area the diseased flock(s) are located. Weekly regional Avian Influenza conference calls are also instituted during an outbreak to coordinate flock movement.

Communications & Media Activities. MTGA serves as the voice of the turkey industry and handled many media requests through the 2016-17 fiscal year. A pre-State Fair media kit highlighting the Turkey To Go restaurant was also sent out, which garnered excellent attention and several media stories on Twin Cities TV and radio stations; media deliveries of Turkey To Go’s famous sandwiches to media outlets continued; and we continued to plug TTG’s “2012 People’s Choice Best Fair Food Award”!

Thanksgiving Communications & Media Activities. MTGA coordinated its annual Governor’s presentation, featured a live turkey and a press conference. MTRPC President Robert Orsen represented Minnesota’s turkey industry at the ceremony, during which a dona-tion of $9,000 toward the purchase of turkey was presented to Hunger Solutions of Minneso-ta from MTGA/MTRPC. Since 2001, MTGA has donated a total of 235,000+ pounds of turkey to various areas of the state during the holiday season.

Farmer Video. Wayne Knudsen was the featured farmer in MTGA’s 2nd annual “A Day in the Life of a Turkey Farmer” video, which showcased Wayne’s farm, his family, and the legacy he is passing on to future generations. The video debuted in November and is housed on Min-nesotaTurkey.com as well as MTGA’s YouTube Channel.

Your MTGA StaffSteve Olson, Executive Director solson@minnesotaturkey.com

Lara Durben, Communications Director & Assistant Executive Directorldurben@minnesotaturkey.com

Teresa Sorenson, Event Coordinator & Exhibits Manager tsorenson@minnesotaturkey.com

Erica SawatzkeAg Program Specialist / Membership Coordinatoresawatzke@minnesotaturkey.com

Katelyn Asfeld, Communications & Administrative Assistantkasfeld@minnesotaturkey.com

Shannon Aslesonsasleson@minnesotaturkey.com

Visit the MTGA at www.minnesotaturkey.com

Annual Report published by:Minnesota Turkey Growers Association | 108 Marty Drive Buffalo, MN 55313 || Ph: 763/682-2171 Fax: 763/682-5546

New and/or Continuing in 2016 WingTips Blog MTGA debuted the “WingTips Blog”, which is housed on Minneso-taTurkey.com and features sev-eral vounteer bloggers - Pete Klaphake, Melrose; Lynette Gessell, Little Falls; and Erica Sawatzke, MTGA staffer.

WingTips MTGA contin-ued weekly e-newsletters for MTGA members with email addresses on file.WingTips is emailed nearly every Friday and features an array of weekly highlights, interesting links and relevant news from around the poultry world.

Animal Activist Email Alerts. MTGA served as a clearinghouse for members who experienced possible animal activist activities in/around their farms and/or plants. MTGA gathered the information and sent out immediate email alerts to members and key company representatives to keep the industry informed and on alert.

Staff Update. Two new staffers were hired - Kate-lyn Asfeld, who started with MTGA as a communica-tions and events intern and who continues to assist with communications, events, and administrative duties, and Shannon Asleson, a part-time executive assistant.

© 2017 MTGA

MTGA Board met in Duluth

Wayne Knudsen - A Day in the Life of a Farmer video