Rice County farmer to lead National Turkey Federation board

John Zimmerman of P&J Products in rural Rice County near Dennison was named the chair of the National Turkey Federation board of directors.

Zimmerman raises turkey, corn and soybeans on his family farm. He is board chairman of River Country Co-op and previously served as president of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association and Minnesota Turkey Research and Promotion Council. He is a graduate of the Minnesota Agricultural Rural Leadership Program and later served on its board of directors. “As a second-generation turkey farmer, I know first-hand how important the work of the National Turkey Federation is to our industry, and I am honored to serve as NTF chairman,” Zimmerman said in a statement. “While we have plenty of work ahead, I am confident we will be able to progress.

“Among some of the key focus areas on the agenda for this year include maintaining the industry’s strong response to animal disease challenges, working with government agencies to ensure that food safety policies are based on science-driven principles, expanding international trade opportunities and serving as the voice of the turkey industry in Washington.”

The National Turkey Federation (NTF) announced the 2024 officer team and Executive Committee members recently elected by the Board of Directors at the 2024 NTF Annual Convention in Austin, Texas. On the board with Zimmerman are Jay Jandrain of Butterball, LLC. as vice chairman and Thierry Murad of AJC International, Inc., as secretary-treasurer. Steve Lykken, representing Jennie-O Turkey Store, will move into the role of immediate past chairman.