The makers of the Jennie-O® turkey brand — a trusted brand for turkey products around the world — today announced that two of their turkeys, Liberty and Bell, were presented by the National Turkey Federation (NTF) and formally pardoned by President Joseph R. Biden during the 76th National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation on the grounds of the White House.
Steve Lykken, Jennie-O Turkey Store president and NTF chairman, was joined by Jose Rojas, Jennie-O Turkey Store assistant vice president of live production in the presentation of the turkeys to President Biden.
“To say that the Jennie-O® brand is honored to be a part of this historic 76th Thanksgiving presentation is an understatement,” said Lykken. “We are thankful to President Biden and the National Turkey Federation for warmly welcoming us, and Liberty and Bell. We enjoyed a whirlwind of activities these past few days and we’re grateful for the turkey producers and farmers that deliver food to our tables this holiday and every day.”
The 2023 National Thanksgiving Turkeys were raised in Minnesota by a team of experts led by Jose Rojas, assistant vice president of Live Production at Jennie-O Turkey Store. Like all Jennie-O® farm-raised turkeys, these birds were raised in a spacious barn with access to 24-hour round-the-clock care.
The 2023 National Thanksgiving Turkeys made the journey from Minnesota to Washington, D.C. last week, receiving the five-star treatment befitting turkeys of their stature. Liberty and Bell were driven in their own personal vehicle and stayed at the historic Willard InterContinental Hotel before they were officially pardoned by the 46th President of the United States in a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House.
Following their visit to the White House, the turkeys will be delivered to the experienced care of veterinarians, faculty, and students at the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences in St. Paul, where they will receive housing, daily care, and access to veterinary services. Through this partnership, the presidentially pardoned turkeys will receive the best care possible, highlight the importance of agricultural education, and help promote the role of the turkey industry and animal agriculture in America’s food system.
NTF’s participation in the National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation began in 1947 with President Harry Truman. It has continued for 75 years across 14 successive administrations.
