HARRISONBURG, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) — Governor Glenn Youngkin signed a proclamation that recognizes June 2025 as Virginia Turkey Lovers Month in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The proclamation was presented by Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Matt Lohr to Virginia Poultry Federation President, Hobey Bauhan at the Virginia Poultry Industry Center at Rockingham County Fairgrounds.

In 2023, 16 million turkeys were produced by Virginia farmers, with Rockingham, Augusta, Page, and Shenandoah counties leading the industry. Turkey production benefits Virginia’s economy with cash receipts totaling more than $403 million in 2023, making it Virginia’s fourth highest commodity and ranking the Commonwealth sixth nationally. Purchasing a Virginia grown turkey supports local farmers and businesses, as well as Virginia agriculture- the state’s largest private industry.

Turkey production has a rich history in Rockingham County. The first turkey eggs to be hatched in an incubator and raised in a brooder house happened on the farm of Charles Wampler, Sr. in 1923, marking the beginning of today’s modern turkey industry. Virginia is home to turkey companies Cargill and Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative. “This month and throughout the year, we celebrate the turkey industry’s rich history in Virginia and its economic impact for family farms and jobs across this important sector of agriculture,” commented Hobey Bauhan, president of the Virginia Poultry Federation. “We are grateful to Governor Youngkin for the proclamation.”