INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana State Poultry Association (ISPA) met for its 78th annual Governor’s Poultry Presentation on Nov. 20 at the Indiana Statehouse. Members met w ith Gov. Mike Braun, Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith and Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb.

The event recognized the efforts of Indiana’s poultry and egg companies to ensure those experiencing food insecurity have access to poultry and eggs at food pantries across the state. It also highlighted the work those companies do to support charitable organizations in their communities. 

Poultry and eggs are always in demand at food pantries. Over the past year, $620,000 worth of chicken, duck and turkey have been donated to Indiana food banks and community organizations by Indiana poultry producers to help Hoosiers in need. Indiana egg producers have also provided 833,000 dozen eggs to their Hoosier neighbors, with an additional 1 million dozen being distributed across the nation.

Beyond giving of their poultry products, poultry companies provided in excess of $650,000 in direct contributions to various non-for-profit and charitable organizations.

“Indiana’s poultry and egg farmers are a vital part of our state’s economic strength,” said Gov. Mike Braun. “Their leadership in supporting communities and stepping up for their neighbors make a real difference across Indiana, and I’m proud to recognize their continued generosity and commitment.”

The ceremony also included reflections on the size of Indiana’s poultry sector. Indiana is one of the top poultry-producing states in the country. According to the USDA National Agriculture Statistics Service, Indiana ranks first in duck production; third in egg production; fourth in turkey production; and notes its broiler chicken production as well. Indiana’s size across multiple poultry sectors is unique in the country. Further, it contributes over $18 billion in total economic activity, and it directly employs more than 12,700 Hoosiers.

ISPA President Rebecca Eifert Joniskan shared, “Poultry farming in Indiana is a family affair. The companies represented here today all started as small, family-owned operations, committed to producing quality products. They know families cannot thrive without healthy food, and they are humbled to be able to make a difference in the lives of other Hoosier families.” 

The poultry and egg products on display at the event were donated to Second Helpings, a hunger relief agency in Indianapolis. The ceremony marks an annual tradition that dates back to the late 1940s.