The US turkey industry in 2025 has been defined by resilience and progress. Despite persistent animal health challenges and shifting political dynamics, the National Turkey Federation (NTF) and its members worked to defend against immediate threats while building a foundation for long-term growth. From advancing science-based food safety policies to expanding trade in Latin America, NTF’s efforts reflect a focus on science, partnership and practicality – ensuring turkey remains accessible and nutritious whether at home or abroad.

Confronting animal health challenges

Animal health continues to drive much of NTF’s work in 2025. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) remains the single largest challenge we face, with more than 18.9 million turkeys lost since the outbreak began in February 2022. Even the strongest biosecurity programs have been tested as the virus persists in wild bird populations, underscoring the need for additional tools in our arsenal to fight this outbreak.

NTF welcomed the US Department of Agriculture’s decision to explore what role vaccination could potentially play in the national “stamp out” strategy and continues to be encouraged by USDA developing a strategy so conversations with trading partners can begin so if vaccines were to be deployed there would be minimal trade impact. As we continue to push forward with potential poultry vaccinations options, NTF also backs further research into vaccines for other species, such as dairy cattle, to lower the risk of cross-species transmission.

Avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV) continues to be a priority for our industry. Recognizing the significant impact of aMPV, in late 2024, the USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB), after aggressive industry advocacy, authorized the emergency import of inactivated vaccines in the early fall and modified-live vaccines in the winter. These vaccines are widely used abroad to manage outbreaks and while these vaccines have been essential to stemming the losses from aMPV, they were only authorized for a one-year basis. NTF is working hard to ensure CVB understands the impact of the vaccines and that authorizations are extended so growers can count on access while domestic vaccine development continues.

These efforts, on both HPAI and aMPV, illustrate how NTF is working hand in hand with partners to make sure science and pragmatism guide animal health policy.

Food safety and science-based policy

Protecting flock health is only part of the equation. Equally important is ensuring consumer trust and safety through robust, science-based food safety policies.

In July, we welcomed USDA’s five-prong food safety strategy, which emphasizes proactive, science-driven approaches to food safety. Congress reinforced that approach this year, with House appropriators including language urging USDA to ensure any new Salmonella policies are grounded in risk assessment rather than arbitrary metrics. An effort that was spearheaded by NTF’s government affairs team.  

NTF also launched a project to study how producers can define microbiologically independent lots of raw ground turkey within a single production day. The goal is to develop practical, science-based criteria that processors can use to better understand their food safety system.

Together, these efforts show how NTF is shaping food safety policy to advance public health without undermining the industry’s ability to operate or innovate.

Workforce and global trade

The ability of the US turkey industry to create product depends as much on people as it does on policy. Labor challenges continue to weigh heavily on turkey processors, many of whom rely on workers employed through Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other visa programs. Disruptions to these programs impact our members, which is why NTF continues to press Congress and the Trump Administration for more durable workforce solutions. Expanding visa programs or creating a new guestworker program that includes meat and poultry processing is essential to securing the steady year-round labor force needed to meet demand.

Expanding access to global markets remains a priority. In August, NTF co-led a trade mission to Colombia with the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC), showcasing US turkey to processors and retailers as demand for affordable, high-quality protein grows. These efforts mark an important step in making deeper inroads into Colombia, one of Latin America’s fastest-growing markets. By highlighting the quality and versatility of US turkey, NTF and its partners are laying the foundation for expanded access, innovative partnerships and lasting demand for our nutritious US turkey abroad.

Congress also plays a key role in supporting these trade efforts. NTF and its members are advocating for passage of bipartisan bills such as the Agriculture Export Promotion Act, which doubles funding for USDA’s Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) Program, and the FRIDGE Act, which expands cold chain storage infrastructure to enhance the MAP and FMD programs.

Turkey on the table

Policy and advocacy are only part of the story. NTF also works to keep turkey front and center for consumers. Through our campaigns like Turkey Smoke and Serve Turkey, NTF continues to expand and challenge consumer perceptions on the versatility of turkey. By the end of 2025, Turkey Smoke will have sponsored more than 20 barbecue competitions nationwide, giving competitors the chance to showcase their most creative takes on turkey.

Serve Turkey, our mainstream consumer-focused campaign, has shifted its social media strategy toward younger audiences, using short-form video to showcase turkey’s versatility and its role as a lean, nutrient-rich, and accessible protein. By leveraging new platforms and formats, NTF is seeing strong results in connecting with new consumers.

Of course, the National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation remains a cherished tradition that brings national attention to the hard work of US turkey producers. NTF looks forward to November’s presentation, which highlights the industry on a national stage and kicks off the holiday season. Beyond the presentation itself, the weeks that follow provide an important opportunity to showcase turkey’s central role in family traditions across the country.

Closing out 2025

As we look to close out 2025, the turkey industry remains stronger than the challenges it faces. From developing new tools and strategies in the fights against HPAI and aMPV, to pushing for science-based food safety rules and strengthening trade access and labor programs, NTF ensures that the industry is not just reacting but moving forward.

The year has not been without hardship, but it has been one of progress, partnership and perseverance – qualities that will continue to define the US turkey industry as it heads into 2026 and beyond.

Leslee Oden is president and CEO of the National Turkey Federation.