Latest news with #MinnesotaTurkeyGrowersAssociation
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MN Turkey Growers, Turkey Research Council elect board members, officers
Jul. 11—BUFFALO — The Minnesota Turkey Growers Association and the Minnesota Turkey Research and Promotion Council elected board members and officers during the 2025 Summer Summit last month in Alexandria. The 2025-2026 officer team for the Minnesota Growers Association will continue with Jake Vlaminck, of as president; Shane Wilhelm, of Richmond, as vice president; and Nate Van Beck, of as treasurer, according to a news release from the association. Newly elected to the board of directors is Josh Meyer, of The Minnesota Turkey Research and Promotion Council re-elected Butch Brey, of New Ulm, as president; with Tim Miller, of Hanska, as vice president; and Peter Gruhl, of Willmar, as treasurer. Newly elected to the promotion council's board of directors is Thomas Schwarz, of LeSueur. The Summer Summit event also featured award presentations, educational sessions and updates on the latest advancements in turkey production, health, marketing and policy, according to the news release. Gorica Rajcic-Spasojevic, of Willmar, was among the individuals honored for contributions to Minnesota's turkey industry. Rajcic-Spasojevic received the Allied Industry Lifetime Achievement Award. John Zimmerman, of Northfield, was honored with the Ranelius Award for dedicated service and leadership. Dr. Brian Hoefs, Minnesota state veterinarian, was given the President's Award for outstanding advocacy and community outreach on behalf of turkey growers. The works to enhance the success of the turkey industry through member engagement and education, advocacy with legislators and public outreach that includes training and youth programs to emphasize career opportunities, according to its website. The is the body that oversees voluntary checkoff dollars. According to its website, the council initiates research on industry challenges including turkey health and welfare, promotes turkey consumption and educates the public about its nutritional benefits.
CBS News
28-02-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Minnesota farmer uses innovate approach to keep flock healthy amid bird flu outbreak
A western Minnesota farmer says his innovative approach is keeping his flock healthy amid the increasing threat of bird flu to the state's chickens and turkeys. "This has been one of the craziest times because in the past it would come, we'd have it for a few months, and it would go away," Jake Vlaminck, president of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, said. But Vlaminck said he and other turkey farmers have been dealing with H5N1 for three straight years. His family operates Fahlun Farms, which was hit hard by the flu in 2023. That's when he decided to buy a laser to keep away ducks and geese — the main carriers of bird flu. "We've been able to cut our mortality down in about half, and I want to attribute a lot of that to these lasers," Vlaminck said. He isn't alone. Over the past two years, Minnesota poultry farmers have installed 100 bird lasers throughout the state. During that time, Vlaminck said the mortality rate for commercial turkeys and chickens dropped from 4 million to 2 million statewide. Humans can't see the laser during the day, but the birds can. Their eyes pick up a green beam, which causes them to fly away from the turkeys. For people, it's visible at night. He installed his first laser on top of a barn. Vlaminck's second laser is attached to the top of that windmill tower. Both lasers on his farm cover about 500 feet. They cross over each other, covering the entire farm. Their sequences vary, so migratory birds don't get used to their patterns. Vlaminck said there's hope a bird flu vaccine will eventually be available, but until then, he'll keep his lasers running, 24/7. "To me, it's been a big difference. And I've seen results throughout the state," Vlaminck said.
