Live Everyday like a Holiday!: Why is June National Turkey Lovers Month and not November?

Thursday, June 23, 2022

Why is June National Turkey Lovers Month and not November?

When is National Turkey Lovers Month? June is National Turkey Lovers' Month!

What is this holiday about?

According to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), it’s the ideal time to celebrate the delicious taste, versatility, high quality nutrition and cooking ease of one of Virginia’s top products.

Why is this holiday observed in June and not November?

Yes, that's the big question most people ask and yes, it's true, more turkeys are served up on the dinner table in November, so why doesn't November represent Turkey Lovers Month? VDACS website couldn't have said it better. " Although the tradition of the Thanksgiving turkey may seem to make November a more appropriate choice for Turkey Lovers’ Month, the June celebration emphasizes turkey’s year-round popularity.

Origin of this holiday:

"LINCOLN - Governor Dave Heineman proclaimed "June Is Turkey Lovers' Month" in Nebraska during a luncheon sponsored by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA)."

"The turkey industry has been an important part of Nebraska's economic landscape with cash receipts totaling more than $40 million in 2005 alone," Governor Heineman said. "It is my pleasure to join Nebraska's turkey producers today in celebrating the accomplishments of this important industry."

"Jerry Felber of Seward, President of the Nebraska Turkey Federation, presented Governor Heineman with a Norbest turkey, a Norbest hickory smoked turkey, and two turkey cookbooks in appreciation of the Governor's recognition and support for the turkey industry."

"The state's 17 turkey growers, who are members of the Nebraska Turkey Growers Cooperative, raised over 3.3 million turkeys in 2005, producing more than 51 million pounds of turkey. The majority of these turkeys are packaged and marketed under the Norbest Nebraska-grown label.

Additional information about Nebraska's turkey industry is available through NDA's Poultry and Egg Division by calling (402) 472-2051. Information is also available on the NDA web site at www.agr.ne.gov or www.nebraskapoultry.org. "

Nebraska Department of Agriculture

How is this holiday celebrated?

This holiday is about the outstanding taste of turkey and is celebrated by serving turkey all through the month of June. Now don't think you have to serve a 12 pound turkey dinner like you do at Thanksgiving- That would be nice but most Americans save the turkey "Feast" for Thanksgiving Day and go with the other turkey choices that's available. Turkey comes in a wide variety of cuts and not just limited to whole birds. You can always find a variety at your local grocery store or deli counter. Examples Below:

Quick-cooking cutlets: delicious served with mashed potatoes and corn! Or, pair it with what ever your favorite veggies are!

Sausage: perfect for breakfast or used in sausage ball recipes for party food-

Tenderloins: perfect cooked any way but popular served with onions and gravy !

Ground Turkey: perfect for meatballs & gravy with rice /spaghetti sauce / topping for pizza / cooked in quiche / burgers for the grill / Turkey Meatloaf /

Turkey Ham: Turkey ham is a processed food made primarily from cooked or cured turkey meat and water, formed into the shape of a ham and often sold pre-sliced. In the United Kingdom, Bernard Matthews is a major producer of turkey ham.