From Illinois Fields to the Thanksgiving Table

November 21, 2024
A person is holding a piece of wood in a barn.

Every year, nearly 3 million turkeys are raised in Illinois, each one playing a small but essential role in America’s food chain. These birds, particularly toms (male turkeys), are consumers of Illinois corn—one turkey gobbles up around 1.03 to 1.06 bushels annually. Some farmers are even incorporating corn oil into their feed, with a typical tom enjoying over seven pounds of this nutrient-rich addition.

 

The lifecycle of these birds varies by gender. Tom turkeys grow for 18 to 20 weeks, while hens, which are often the stars of Thanksgiving tables, reach maturity in just 14 to 16 weeks. It’s no wonder Illinois, with its 408 turkey farms, ranging from backyard flocks to large-scale producers, plays a pivotal role in supplying the turkeys we enjoy year-round.

 Nationwide, 210 million turkeys are raised each year, with the average American consuming 16.1 pounds of turkey annually. Whether it’s a roasted Thanksgiving hen or a deli sandwich, turkeys are deeply embedded in our culinary traditions—and they owe much of their hearty growth to the Illinois corn that sustains them.

 

This Thanksgiving, as you savor that tender, golden turkey, remember the journey it took—from Illinois farms to your table.

 

*Source: Illinois Turkey Growers Association

Evan playing in dirt
By Tara Desmond September 22, 2025
Two year old Evan on the farm.
Jason at his farm in Manito
By Tara Desmond September 19, 2025
Jason Proehl isn’t just a fifth-generation farmer—he’s also an attorney who helps families protect their farms for the next generation.
Corn stalks in focus, with a combine harvesting corn in a field on a sunny day.
By Lyndi Allen September 18, 2025
Illinois farmers are concerned about their farms and the need for changes in production costs. Policy action is needed to expand ethanol blends, improve market access, and address high input costs.
man on farm working on equipment
By Tara Desmond September 18, 2025
It Seemed Routine—Until It Wasn’t
Collin Watters at podium
By Tara Desmond September 18, 2025
IL Corn joined the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council and Illinois Economic Development Association on a Japan trade mission, strengthening global markets for Illinois corn and ethanol and fostering new opportunities for farmers.
Winners
September 18, 2025
An air filter made from corn? That's right -- this company and more are coming up with innovative solutions using corn.
Show More