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“The National Turkey Federation (NTF) praises the important work being done by USDA, HHS and EPA through the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission and report to improve the health and well-being of all Americans. We share their commitment to supporting healthy, balanced diets that help American families thrive. NTF commends MAHA’s efforts to modernize regulatory frameworks to streamline processes, while emphasizing that food safety must remain uncompromised.

Thanks to the hardworking men and women of the U.S. turkey industry, Americans can enjoy high-quality turkey that is lean, nutrient-dense, naturally low in fat and rich in high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of meals and dietary patterns, whether served as a traditional roast, prepared on the grill, eaten on a sandwich or incorporated into everyday dishes.

As the conversation around public health continues, NTF and its members remain dedicated to producing healthy food options and helping Americans make choices that support their long-term health.”

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Qualified research institutions, academic partners and private sector entities with demonstrated data analysis skills, preferably with expertise in microbial data analysis and meat/poultry systems, are invited to submit proposals by October 10, 2025.

For more information and to view the full RFP submission requirements, please view the attached PDF.

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These regulatory standards for wastewater discharge, including those from processor facility wastewater treatment plants, were recently analyzed by the EPA to study their efficacy and evaluate if further regulations were necessary. By choosing to uphold the current guidelines, the Administration is ensuring both economic stability and environmental responsibility.

In the EPA’s announcement, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin declared, “EPA is saving billions of dollars in costs the American people would otherwise see in the prices of the meat and poultry they buy at the grocery store while ensuring the protection of human health and the environment.”

NTF, along with other animal agriculture trade groups, has consistently highlighted the important ongoing work the industry is doing to protect water supplies, as well as the negative effects, costs and closures that would result from burdensome new regulations.

“EPA’s determination on the effluent guidelines rule shows that current regulatory arrangements that have been built for years under the Clean Water Act are working for turkey processors, the environment, for the local communities we’ve invested in and for American consumers. Avoiding this unjustified weight allows us to continue to work with our local municipal utilities and do the right things to meet our environmental demands and ultimately ensure we keep our nation’s food supply robust and healthy,” said Leslee Oden, president & CEO of the National Turkey Federation.

Support for maintaining the current standards has also come from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), which noted in early 2024 that local pretreatment programs are already effective at regulating meat and poultry processors. NACWA called the system “mutually beneficial to POTWs (publicly owned treatment works) and the MPP industry” and urged EPA not to establish new pretreatment standards.

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About the National Turkey Federation

The National Turkey Federation (NTF) is the national advocate for America’s turkey farmers and producers, raising awareness for its members’ products while strengthening their ability to profitably and safely deliver wholesome, high-quality and nutritious food to consumers worldwide. NTF is the sole national trade association exclusively representing the turkey industry; its members account for more than 95 percent of all U.S. turkey production.

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Contacts: Alex Davidson, 202.897.9283, adavidson@turkeyfed.org, (NTF)
Tom Super, 202.443.4130, tsuper@chickenusa.org, (NCC)
Hannah Keck, 678.514.1979, hkeck@uspoultry.org, (USPOULTRY)

Applications Being Accepted for the Poultry Industry Innovation in Safety & Health Award

The Joint Poultry Industry Safety & Health Council is currently accepting applications for the Frank Cruice Innovation in Safety & Health Award. The program is open to National Turkey Federation (NTF), National Chicken Council (NCC) and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) members and is intended for poultry and egg industry members that have made a significant advancement in operational excellence in a safety and/or health innovation.

Award applications are open for several industry categories, including Poultry Processing (NAICS 311615), Poultry & Egg Production (NAICS 1123), Animal Feed Manufacturing (NAICS 311119), Animal Support Services (NAICS 115210), and Rendering (NAICS 311613). An award will be issued for innovations in both processes and equipment. A panel of judges will select the winners and honorable mentions in each category.

The innovation application criteria include the following:
• Must be an innovative or novel solution proven to reduce occupational injuries/illnesses or improve safety awareness on or off the job. 
• Must have demonstrated results over at least a six-month period AND must be able to be leveraged across the industry. 
• Preference will be given to innovations developed through safety committees or other grassroots efforts.
• Implementing an “Off the Shelf” program purchased or acquired from a third party will not be considered.

“The Joint Poultry Industry Safety & Health Council is proud to honor poultry and egg companies whose innovative approaches are setting new standards in worker safety and advancing the well-being of employees across our industry,” said Allan Foy, corporate director of safety, Farbest Foods, and chair of the Joint Poultry Industry Safety & Health Council.

The Joint Industry Safety & Health Council consists of members from USPOULTRY, NCC and NTF. Collectively, the three organizations represent companies that produce 95% of the nation’s poultry products and directly employ more than 350,000 workers.

Award program rules, regulations and application forms are available by clicking here. The application deadline is Oct. 10. The award winners and honorable mention recipients will be announced during a ceremony at the International Production & Processing Expo on Jan. 27, 2026, in Atlanta, Ga.

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About the National Turkey Federation
The National Turkey Federation (NTF) is the national advocate for America’s turkey farmers and producers, raising awareness for its members’ products while strengthening their ability to profitably and safely deliver wholesome, high-quality and nutritious food to consumers worldwide.

About U.S. Poultry & Egg Association
U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) is the All Feather Association progressively serving its poultry and egg members through research, education, communications and technical services. Founded in 1947, USPOULTRY is based in Tucker, Georgia.

About the National Chicken Council
The National Chicken Council (NCC) represents integrated chicken producer-processors, the companies that produce and process chickens. Member companies of NCC account for more than 95 percent of the chicken sold in the United States.

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“Turkey Smoke has become a staple of the competitive barbecue scene, and we’re excited to see it grow even bigger in 2025,” said Leslee Oden, president and CEO of the National Turkey Federation, organizer of Turkey Smoke. “From seasoned pitmasters to backyard enthusiasts, this series gives competitors the opportunity to showcase the versatility and incredible taste of turkey in some of the biggest barbecue events in the country.”

Turkey Smoke competitions will be featured at major competitions sanctioned by leading barbecue organizations nationwide. This year’s lineup includes stops at upcoming contests including:

• Smoke on the Shores BBQ Championship – Lebanon, TN – March 14, 2025
• BBQ Gives Back – Urbanna, VA – March 21, 2025
• Smoke in the Spring – Osage City, KS – April 11, 2025
• Minnesota In May – St. Peter, MN – May 9, 2025
• Memphis In May – Memphis, TN – May 15, 2025
• Horse Town Brew n Que Festival – Norco, CA – May 31, 2025
• Hoosier BBQ Classic – Franklin, IN – June 7, 2025
• Giant National BBQ Battle – Washington, DC – June 21, 2025
• Art of the Que – Spencer, IA – June 27, 2025
• King Turkey Day Smokin’ Gobbler BBQ Cook-Off – Worthington, MN – July 11, 2025
• Smoke on the Rail BBQ Festival – New Freedom, PA – July 26, 2025
• BBQ & Fly-In on the River – Excelsior Springs, MO – August 16, 2025
• 8th Annual DuPont BBQ Cookoff – DuPont, WA – August 17, 2025
• Smoke on the Water BBQ Championship – Pine Bluff, AR – September 20, 2025
• Arlington BBQ Burnout – Arlington, TN – October 17, 2025
• Monroe Turkey Smoke – Monroe, NC – October 18, 2025
• American Royal World Series of Barbecue – Kansas City, MO – Exact Date TBD
• Atlanta BBQ Store Classic – Cumming, GA – November 15, 2025
• BBQ Jackpot – Las Vegas, NV – November 21, 2025
• Texas BBQ Blowout – Paris, TX – December 6, 2025

Since its inception, the Turkey Smoke Series has introduced thousands of pitmasters and barbecue fans to the incredible possibilities of turkey on the smoker. Each event will feature a dedicated Turkey Smoke category where teams will bring their best smoked turkey creations to the judges, competing for prizes, bragging rights and a chance to be named Turkey Smoke champion!

This year marks an exciting milestone for Turkey Smoke, as competitions were selected through the newly implemented Turkey Smoke Grant Program. Events were chosen through a competitive application process, considering factors such as event size, geographic diversity and commitment to promoting turkey barbecue. The grant program allows Turkey Smoke to reach new audiences and introduce more pitmasters, fans and consumers to the versatility and flavor of smoked turkey. Competitors and barbecue fans can download the full 2025 Turkey Smoke Series schedule, find recipes and learn more about how to get involved in the future by visiting TurkeySmoke.org.

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Gator, a native of Maysville, North Carolina, dedicated his career to advancing best practices in animal welfare, production efficiency and industry collaboration. A graduate of North Carolina State University with a degree in chemical engineering, Gator began his professional journey at Milliken & Company before transitioning to agriculture, where he built a remarkable career at Goldsboro Milling Company and Butterball, LLC.

“Gator’s contributions extend beyond Butterball—he has been a respected leader across the industry, fostering relationships and championing policies that benefit turkey producers nationwide,” said NTF President and CEO Leslee Oden. “His influence on live operations, workforce development and biosecurity measures has been instrumental in ensuring the success and resilience of our sector.”

Gator joined Goldsboro Milling in 1981, rising to lead its turkey breeder and meatbird operations. In 2006, when Goldsboro Milling acquired its share of Butterball, he became responsible for the company’s North Carolina turkey operations and later oversaw Butterball’s live operations nationwide until his retirement in 2024. His leadership as President of Goldsboro Milling Company, a position he has held since 2014, and his continued role on Butterball’s Board of Directors solidify his legacy in the industry. Beyond his professional achievements, Gator has been an active and dedicated industry advocate. He served as NTF Chair in 2009, a role in which he had the distinct honor of presenting the National Thanksgiving Turkey to President Barack Obama at the White House. Additionally, he has contributed his expertise through service on several boards, including Wayne Country Day School, Wayne Community College Foundation, the North Carolina Poultry Federation, and Mount Olive Pickle.

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Jay Jandrain of Butterball, LLC. was elected to serve as chairman. Christy Puffenbarger of Aviagen Turkeys will serve as vice chairwoman and Leon Fletcher of Cargill as secretary-treasurer. John Zimmerman of P&J Products will move into the role of immediate past chairman.

“It’s an incredible honor to serve as chairman of the National Turkey Federation and to represent the hardworking individuals who make this industry strong,” said Jandrain. “The turkey industry continues to innovate and adapt, and NTF plays a critical role in advocating for policies that support our farmers, processors and partners. This year, we will remain focused on key priorities, including strengthening our response to animal health challenges, ensuring science-based food safety policies and expanding market opportunities both at home and abroad. I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to build on the industry’s successes and help shape a strong future for the turkey industry.”

Jay Jandrain is the president and CEO of Butterball, LLC., the largest producer of turkey products in the United States. He was appointed to the role in 2018 after serving as Butterball’s chief operating officer, where he oversaw plant operations, corporate purchasing, transportation and warehousing, demand and supply planning, corporate engineering and research and development.

Jandrain joined Butterball in 2002 as director of research and development and has since held key leadership positions, including vice president of deli sales, vice president of R&D, vice president of integrated business strategy and executive vice president of sales. His expertise spans product innovation, operations and strategic growth, helping to strengthen Butterball’s position in the poultry industry.

Before joining Butterball, Jandrain built his career in food production with leadership roles at Cargill and Plantation Foods, focusing on sales, marketing and R&D management. Jandrain earned a bachelor’s degree in food science from Cornell University.

Joining Jandrain, Puffenbarger, Fletcher and Zimmerman on the 2025 Executive Committee will be: Brandon Achen, West Liberty Foods
Kevin Atkins, Perdue Farms
Russ Dierenfield, Tyson Foods
Ryan Downes, Farbest Foods
Peter Gruhl, Next Nest LSI
John King, Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative
Dr. Michelle Kromm, Food Forward, LLC.
Blair McCorriston, Hybrid Turkeys
Ronnie Parker, Circle S Ranch
Matt Schrupp, Jennie-O Turkey Store
Jordan Woodbury, Dakota Provisions

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“The National Turkey Federation (NTF) applauds USDA’s approval for the importation of additional commercial modified live avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) vaccines. This milestone further reflects our industry’s commitment to safeguarding the health and vitality of U.S. commercial turkey flocks. With these new authorizations, NTF members Vaxxinova, Boehringer Ingelheim and Zoetis Animal Health are ready to introduce the vaccine to the industry, further strengthening our efforts to protect turkey health. We urge USDA to continue its efforts to facilitate the importation and development of additional aMPV vaccines, including the advancement of a domestic vaccine.”

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“The National Turkey Federation welcomes the USDA’s approval of importation of a commercial modified live avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) vaccine, a massive advancement in protecting U.S. turkey flocks against aMPV. This development underscores our industry’s commitment to ensuring the health and productivity of our nation’s commercial turkey population. We encourage the USDA to continue its work to ensure additional importation and development of aMPV vaccines.”

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