200,000 pounds of poultry products donated to Hoosiers this year

Gov. Eric Holcomb, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Bruce Kettler recognized the generosity of Indiana’s poultry producers at the 74th annual Indiana state poultry recognition event hosted at the Indiana Statehouse. Over the past year, Indiana poultry farmers have donated nearly 100 tons or 200,000 pounds of poultry products to Hoosiers in need.

“Indiana’s agriculture industry is making strong economic impacts across the state, nationally and across the globe and that is due in part to Hoosier poultry producers,” said Gov. Eric J. Holcomb. “As we enter the holiday season, let us all recognize the contributions Hoosier farmers make in ensuring our plates are full of a variety of nutritious foods, and, of course, all of our favorite seasonal treats.”

For decades, Indiana’s poultry producers have been working to address food insecurity in their local communities by providing protein to food banks across the state. Some of the main products that were donated over the course of this year include eggs, chicken, duck and turkey.

The strength of Indiana’s poultry sector was also recognized during the ceremony as Indiana is one of the top poultry producing states in the country. According to the USDA National Agriculture Statistics Service, Indiana ranks No. 1 in duck production, No. 2 in egg production, No. 4 in turkey production and is home to high quality broiler chicken production as well.

The poultry industry is a substantial economic driver for the state contributing more than $12 billion in total economic activity. Additionally, this sector employs more than 12,000 Hoosiers.

“Each year I look forward to celebrating and honoring the generosity of our Hoosier poultry producers,” Crouch said. “There is nothing more heartwarming than Hoosiers helping Hoosiers, especially around the holiday season.”

Indiana State Poultry Association (ISPA) members continually give back to their local communities throughout the year. According to ISPA president Becky Joniskan, over the last 12 months members have contributed over 7 million eggs to their local communities.

“This event is a testament to the character, generosity, and strength of our industry,” said Joniskan. “I am so grateful to work alongside such exceptional poultry farmers and processors who keep the wholesomeness of their products and their responsibilities to their communities top of mind.”

The ceremony marks an annual tradition that dates back to the late 1940s. Organized by ISPA, one of the oldest poultry organizations in the nation, it was designed to recognize the strength of Indiana’s poultry industry, as well as the annual donations made by its members, who are responsible for more than 95% of the chicken, duck, turkey and eggs produced in Indiana.

ABOUT ISDA

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) was established as a separate state agency by the Legislature in 2005. Administratively, ISDA reports to Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, who also serves as Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. Major responsibilities include advocacy for Indiana agriculture at the local, state and federal level, managing soil conservation programs, promoting economic development and agricultural innovation, serving as a regulatory ombudsman for agricultural businesses, and licensing grain firms throughout the state.