Which U.S. Farmers Win at the Thanksgiving Table?

We enjoy celebrating all the farmers across the country every day, and at BW Fusion, we also like a good friendly competition, so as you sit around after your Thanksgiving meal, we thought we would share with you which farmers and states contribute to that delicious meal you have eaten. Plus, these stats are always fun to share with your family and friends.

Minnesota's Top for Turkey

Turkey seems to be the centerpiece for this holiday, so that’s where we will start. Minnesota is the top dog in this commodity, as they raise over 40 million birds a year! North Carolina and Arkansas are second and third on the list. Every year, as a Thanksgiving tradition, two birds are selected and pardoned by the President of the United States. This year the two turkeys were from North Carolina.

Idaho Makes the Mashed Potatoes

More growers in the United States grow potatoes than any other commodity, so the competition is tough. Idaho takes the lead by producing over 30 different varieties of potatoes. Washington and North Dakota are next on the list for production.

Wisconsin Crushes it with Cranberries

Cranberry harvest is something neat to see as they flood bogs (where they grow cranberries) to be able to harvest in late September and October. If you haven’t seen it in person, you may need to add this to your bucket list. Wisconsin is known as the cranberry state and produces over 60% of the nation's cranberries. They even have a Cranberry Festival! Second in cranberry production is Massachusetts, followed by New Jersey in third.

Wisconsin Takes the Lead, Bringing in the Beans

We love a good ol’ fashioned green bean casserole. Wisconsin takes the lead again for green bean production, also called snap beans. Wisconsin grew nearly 670 million pounds in 2021. New York and Michigan round out the top three.

Illinois Pumps out the Pumpkins

When it comes to who grows the most pumpkins, Illinois smashes the competition. Alone, Illinois grows over 41% of the total pumpkins in the United States. Indiana and California are ranked second and third.

So, drumroll please… In the competition to produce the most Thanksgiving food, the winners are the farmers in the great state of Wisconsin! Thank you for all you do for us to enjoy a table filled with healthy and safe food!

Thank You and Happy Thanksgiving!

We also want to take a quick moment and express our sincere thanks to our customers and employees. Everyday, we make an impact on the industry that feeds the world, and we are incredibly thankful for that.

To our farmer customers and friends, thank you for all that you do! We know you are the individuals who, whether or not it’s a national holiday, will still be found in a tractor or feeding livestock. Those who watch the clock because they may need to be home at a certain time to feed or milk cows. Those who humbly do their job without a “Thanks!” or “Well done!”

Thank you for the sacrifices you make to provide for the world and for all the food options we have today and every day here in the United States. We hope you enjoy this day with family and friends. Cheers to the farmers across the country who provide us with the food we get to enjoy this Thanksgiving!