PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release
May 18, 2006 www.agr.ne.gov		Contact: Christin Kamm (402) 471-6856

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

"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.