Governor Sanders pardons prize-winning turkeys ahead of Thanksgiving holiday
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders pardoned two turkeys, “Lilly” and “Sprinkles,” Thursday, November 20, during an event celebrating Arkansas’s turkey industry. The birds were raised by Caroline and Adeline Dixon of Morrilton, members of Conway County 4-H whose turkeys were named grand champion and reserve grand champion at the Conway County Fair.
During the event, Governor Sanders proclaimed November 23-29 as Arkansas Turkey Week. Governor
Sanders also thanked Butterball for donating a total of 58,000 pounds of turkey products this year to
the Arkansas Foodbank, Arkansas River Valley Regional Foodbank, and Northwest Arkansas Foodbank.
“Thanksgiving is about good food, football, and time with family, but most importantly, it’s recognizing
the incredible blessings we have been given and having the opportunity to say, ‘Thank you’ for them,”
said Governor Sanders. “This donation reminds us that not everyone can afford to have a big, traditional Thanksgiving meal, but we can all look for ways to help out one another during their time of need.”
“As the nation’s third-largest turkey-producing state, Arkansas plays a vital role in feeding families across America,” said Marvin Childers, President of The Poultry Federation. “With more than 25 million turkeys raised each year, Arkansas Turkey Week gives us an opportunity to recognize the farmers, growers, and industry partners who work tirelessly to uphold the highest standards of animal care and food safety. We are also proud to be home to one of the country’s largest turkey processors, Butterball, which employs thousands of hardworking Arkansans in its Ozark and Huntsville facilities.”
“Thanksgiving is the perfect time to celebrate Arkansas agriculture and the vital role of our turkey sector,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “We’re proud to be a major producer of agricultural products that will contribute to meals and traditions across the country this holiday season. We’re also especially grateful to Caroline and Adeline for joining us today, representing the future of Arkansas’s largest industry.”
The poultry industry is Arkansas’s largest agricultural sector, generating $6.7 billion in cash receipts. Arkansas produces 25 million turkeys each year, accounting for 12.5 percent of the nation’s total. Turkey production contributes $288 million to the state’s economy and supplies more than 512 million pounds of protein annually.
PHOTO: Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (center) poses for a photo with 4-H members Adeline Dixon and Caroline Dixon (front) who raised the turkeys that Sanders pardoned on Nov. 20, 2025, during a ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock. With them are from left: Arkansas Agriculture Secretary Wes Ward, Arkansas 4-H State Officers team members, and FFA members. UADA photo / Ben Aaron
