News release from the Indiana State Department of Agriculture.



ISDA/ISPA________________________________________________________________________

*NEWS RELEASE
*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


*Poultry producers honored at annual donation event*



*INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 24, 2020)* Today, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch [ [link removed] ] honored Indianas vital poultry producers at the 73rd Indiana State Poultry Donation event for their generous assistance throughout the year to their communities. Hoosier producers donated 450 tons or 900,000 pounds of poultry products despite impacts from the pandemic.

Hardworking Hoosier farmers and agribusinesses take pride in growing and raising some of the most safe, nutritious and delicious food on our planet, Crouch said. In addition, they also are generous with their goods and this donation proves they want to help their communities. This has been a difficult year and this gift will benefit others in need.

The strength of Indianas poultry sector was also recognized during the ceremony for Indiana ranks as 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, and it contributes more than $12 billion in total economic activity. Additionally, this sector employs more than 12,000 Hoosiers.

Indianas poultry sector is a driving force in our state's agriculture industry, said ISDA Director, Bruce Kettler. When faced with this years challenges, all levels of the poultry supply chain went above the call of duty to ensure Hoosiers had access to high quality products when they needed it most.

Aside from the donations made today,Indiana State Poultry Association (ISPA) members continually give back to their local communities throughout the year. Becky Joniskan, ISPA president, expressed that over the last 12 months their members have contributed over 7 million eggs and 200,000 pounds of meat and egg products to their local communities.

Todays donation is a true testament to the generosity, dedication and heart of our Hoosier poultry producers, said Becky Joniskan, ISPA President. I feel so fortunate to work alongside these individuals who work tirelessly to produce exceptional products while supporting their local communities.

Todays 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 Indianas poultry industry, as well as the annual donations made by its members, who are responsible for over 95 percent of the chicken, duck, turkey and eggs produced in Indiana.

###

2020 Poultry photo

*
**ABOUT ISDA
*"TheIndiana State Department of Agriculture [ [link removed] ](ISDA) was established as a separate state agency by the Legislature in 2005. Administratively, ISDA reports toLt. Governor Suzanne Crouch [ [link removed] ],who also serves as Indianas 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."

________________________________________________________________________




Facebook [ [link removed] ]Twitter [ [link removed] ]Instagram [ [link removed] ]


*Media Contact:*

Regan Herr 317.552.9281 [email protected]



ISDA Footer




SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:
Manage Preferences [ [link removed] ]|Delete Profile [ [link removed] ]|Help [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: State of Indiana 402 Washington Street Indianapolis, IN 46204 800.457.8283 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]