By Andi Anderson
This week, National FFA President Amara Jackson, representing the Corunna FFA Chapter, participated in the time-honored turkey-pardoning ceremony at the White House. The annual event saw President Joe Biden officially pardon Liberty and Bell, two turkeys weighing over 42 pounds each, expressing gratitude to American families sustaining the nation and the world with their contributions to agriculture.
The National FFA Organization highlighted the commitment to nurturing the upcoming generation of agricultural leaders in a Facebook post during the ceremony. The occasion underscored the impact FFA members create and the promising future they are building within the agricultural sector. The emphasis remains on driving innovation, fostering community, and cultivating a thriving industry.
As Thanksgiving approaches, the American Farm Bureau Federation reported that the cost of feeding ten individuals for dinner would amount to $61.17, with a 6-pound turkey accounting for $27.35, marking a 5.6% decrease from last year. Michigan Farm Bureau Senior Industry Relations Specialist Ernie Birchmeier credited this decline to a significant reduction in avian influenza cases, allowing increased turkey production in time for the holiday season.
The tradition of pardoning a Thanksgiving turkey dates back to 1947 when the National Turkey Federation gifted a National Thanksgiving Turkey to President Harry Truman, as reported by CBS News. This long-standing practice continues to mark the spirit of Thanksgiving celebrations at the White House.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Michigan, General