The Minnesota Turkey Growers Association has been working for months with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) to secure financial assistance to Minnesota turkey farmers impacted by the COVID pandemic. This week, MDA unveiled the Turkey Market Loss Cost-Share Programme to help turkey farmers and the industry weather what has been a challenging time for farm families.

“As a third-generation turkey farmer, you think you have seen it all. However, COVID has put a strain on farmers that no one could have prepared for and we are grateful for this aid,” said Paul Kvistad, Minnesota Turkey Growers Association President and farmer from Wood Lake.

MDA’s Turkey Market Loss Cost-Share Programme provides financial assistance to farmers who marketed fewer liveweight pounds during March – September 2020 due to COVID-19. To mitigate losses during the pandemic, the industry pivoted quickly and utilised several different options. These decisions meant farmers saw a loss in production – putting a squeeze on farm families.

“While our farmers live with risk every day and roll with the punches, this aid from Governor Tim Walz and Ag Commissioner Thom Petersen is the shot in the arm we needed heading into our most important season – Thanksgiving,” said Sarah Anderson, Executive Director of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association.

Turkey farmers uncertain of whether they qualify for funds should first review the application on the MDA website. Questions about securing the necessary liveweight pounds statement from the Minnesota Turkey Research and Promotion Council should be directed to [email protected] or call 763-682-2171.

All applications must be received by 1 December at 4:00 pm

Funding for the cost-share programme was made possible by the federal CARES Act provided to Minnesota by Congress and distributed by Governor Tim Walz.