A Turkey Tale: Minnesota Birds Pardoned at White House
In 2023, President Biden continued the time-honored Thanksgiving tradition of pardoning two turkeys from ending up on the dinner table. That year’s lucky turkeys, Liberty and Bell, hailed from Willmar, Minnesota.
The 20-week-old birds, weighing over 40 pounds, were raised by Jennie-O, a Minnesota-based turkey producer. They were specially chosen for their good looks and calm temperament to make the trip to Washington D.C.
After the presidential pardon, Liberty and Bell returned home to our state. The University of Minnesota provided a comfortable forever home for the turkeys on the St. Paul campus. They lived out their days under the care of students and staff.
Minnesotans had a lot to be proud of that Thanksgiving. Our state supplied the official White House turkeys! Liberty and Bell became local celebrities. They got a chance to attend a Minnesota Gophers game and meet Goldy the mascot during their time at the U of M.
While most turkeys won’t be as lucky as Liberty and Bell, Minnesotans eat plenty of them each holiday. Our state produces over 40 million turkeys each year, meaning lots of Minnesota farm families benefit from the Thanksgiving demand.
As we carve our turkeys, let’s toast the workers, farmers, truck drivers, and everyone else who helps bring this signature Thanksgiving meal to our tables. And especially that year, thank Liberty and Bell for representing Minnesota so well!
