OFBF Logo
    • Current Location
    • Adams
    • Allen
    • Ashland
    • Ashtabula
    • Athens
    • Auglaize
    • Belmont
    • Brown
    • Butler
    • Carroll
    • Champaign
    • Clark
    • Clermont
    • Clinton
    • Columbiana
    • Coshocton
    • Crawford
    • Cuyahoga
    • Darke
    • Defiance
    • Delaware
    • Erie
    • Fairfield
    • Fayette
    • Franklin
    • Fulton
    • Gallia
    • Geauga
    • Greene
    • Guernsey
    • Hamilton
    • Hancock
    • Hardin
    • Harrison
    • Henry
    • Highland
    • Hocking
    • Holmes
    • Huron
    • Jackson
    • Jefferson
    • Knox
    • Lake
    • Lawrence
    • Licking
    • Logan
    • Lorain
    • Lucas
    • Madison
    • Mahoning
    • Marion
    • Medina
    • Meigs
    • Mercer
    • Miami
    • Monroe
    • Montgomery
    • Morgan
    • Morrow
    • Muskingum
    • Noble
    • Ottawa
    • Paulding
    • Perry
    • Pickaway
    • Pike
    • Portage
    • Preble
    • Putnam
    • Richland
    • Ross
    • Sandusky
    • Scioto
    • Seneca
    • Shelby
    • Stark
    • Summit
    • Trumbull
    • Tuscarawas
    • Union
    • Van Wert
    • Vinton
    • Warren
    • Washington
    • Wayne
    • Williams
    • Wood
    • Wyandot
  • Join
  • Renew
  • Login
  • OFBF Calendar Icon
  • OFBF Search Icon
  • About Us
    • What is Ohio Farm Bureau?
    • News Room
    • Podcasts
    • Job Postings
    • Farm to Table
    • Nationwide Insurance
    • All Ohio Agriculture
  • Membership
    • Membership Overview
    • Ohio Farm Bureau Membership
    • Benefits
    • Business Solutions
    • Ag Intelligence Service
    • Membership Auto-Renew
    • Group Membership
    • Tools and Resources
    • FAQ
  • Advocacy
    • Advocacy Overview
    • 2026 Priority Issues
    • Ask Our Experts
    • All Advocacy
  • Community
    • Community Overview
    • County Farm Bureaus
    • Event Calendar
    • Young Ag Professionals
    • Youth in Agriculture
    • Grants
    • All Community
  • Foundation
    • Foundation Overview
    • Scholarships
    • Scholarships Criteria
    • Make a Gift
    • Legacy Giving
    • Meet our Board
  • Shop
  • OFBF Calendar Icon
  • OFBF Hamburger Icon
    • About Us
      • What is Ohio Farm Bureau?
      • News Room
      • Podcasts
      • Job Postings
      • Farm to Table
      • Nationwide Insurance
      • All Ohio Agriculture
    • Membership
      • Membership Overview
      • Ohio Farm Bureau Membership
      • Benefits
      • Business Solutions
      • Ag Intelligence Service
      • Membership Auto-Renew
      • Group Membership
      • Tools and Resources
      • FAQ
    • Advocacy
      • Advocacy Overview
      • 2026 Priority Issues
      • Ask Our Experts
      • All Advocacy
    • Community
      • Community Overview
      • County Farm Bureaus
      • Event Calendar
      • Young Ag Professionals
      • Youth in Agriculture
      • Grants
      • All Community
    • Foundation
      • Foundation Overview
      • Scholarships
      • Scholarships Criteria
      • Make a Gift
      • Legacy Giving
      • Meet our Board
    • Shop

    Email Successfully Sent

  • Home
  • All Articles
  • Five tips for preparing Thanksgiving turkey
  • Article

    Five tips for preparing Thanksgiving turkey

    Our Ohio Staff | Posted on

    November 15, 2017



    Roast turkey with Herb Butter

    Ohio Poultry Association (OPA) is sharing its top five tips for preparing the perfect Thanksgiving turkey and offering signature recipes using turkey leftovers.

    “As the voice for Ohio’s turkey farmers, we are honored to share our expert cooking and food safety tips during the Thanksgiving season and year-round,” said Jim Chakeres, OPA executive vice president. “Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to recognize not only the substantial impact turkey (production) has on the Ohio economy, but the nutritional value turkey provides to consumers nationwide.”

     Ohio turkey experts recommend these five tips for preparing the perfect turkey:

    1. When purchasing the perfect turkey, allow one pound of turkey per person for a fresh or frozen bird. This will provide enough for dinner and sufficient leftovers.
    2. If using a frozen turkey, allow approximately 24 hours for every four pounds of bird weight for thawing in the refrigerator. Cook within four days of thawing.
    3. Plan to cook the Thanksgiving turkey for 20 minutes per pound in a 325 degree oven for a defrosted or fresh turkey.
    4. Remove turkey from the oven when a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees  at the breast and 175 degrees at the thigh.
    5. Let turkey stand for 20 minutes after removing from the oven before carving to allow juices to set.

    Did you know

    • High in protein, naturally low in fat and available in a variety of cuts, turkey satisfies appetites while providing immune-boosting nutrients including iron, zinc and potassium. A three-ounce serving of boneless, skinless turkey breast contains 26 grams of protein, one gram of fat and zero grams of saturated fat.
    • Ohio ranks ninth nationally in turkey production with more than 236 million pounds of turkey produced each year. In 2016, the value of turkey produced in Ohio was nearly $196 million.
    • Ohio turkey farmers are committed to providing safe, affordable food for consumers and caring for their flocks and the environment during the holidays and all year-long.

    OPA also shared two recipes for using leftover turkey: Turkey Sweet Potato Hash with Egg and Turkey-Vegetable Hash Brown Quiche.

    For more information and additional recipes, visit ohioturkey.com or serveturkey.org.

    New and beginning farmers
    My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
    Greg McGlinch's avatar
    Greg McGlinch

    Darke County Farm Bureau

    Growing Tomorrow Grant
    We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
    Nathan and Jill Parriman's avatar
    Nathan and Jill Parriman

    Clermont County Farm Bureau

    Bringing the farm back to life
    I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
    Gretchan Francis's avatar
    Gretchan Francis

    Trumbull County Farm Bureau

    Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
    It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
    Wyatt Morrow's avatar
    Wyatt Morrow

    Clinton County Farm Bureau

    Giving farmers a voice
    The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
    Matt Aultman's avatar
    Matt Aultman

    Darke County Farm Bureau

    Select Partner Program
    Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
    Chad Ruhl's avatar
    Chad Ruhl

    Farm manager, CSI Insurance

    Advocacy
    So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
    Mary Smallsreed's avatar
    Mary Smallsreed

    Trumbull County Farm Bureau

    Suggested Tags:
    Food SafetyPoultryThanksgivingTurkey

    Featured Articles

    Applications for Ohio Farm Bureau Health Plans now available

    Members have three ways to apply: contacting a certified agent, calling 833-468-4280 or visiting ohiofarmbureauhealthplans.org.

    Read More
    2026 Ohio Farm Bureau Federation AGGPAC Election Report

    Ohio voters delivered major changes to state and federal leadership during the 2026 midterm election, with several incumbents losing their re-election bids and Democrats gaining seats across the state.

    Read More
    Barn quilt contest celebrates century farms

    Eligible farm and ranch families have the opportunity to share their story for a chance to receive a custom handcrafted barn quilt recognizing their century operation. Enter by Jan. 31, 2027.

    Read More
    Farm safety vs. risk management: What’s the difference and why it matters

    Farm safety and risk management are deeply interconnected, forming the foundation of a resilient and sustainable operation.

    Read More
    Ohio Farm Bureau applauds Gov. DeWine dyed diesel executive order

    The executive order waives state penalties and suspends discretionary enforcement related to the use of dyed diesel on public highways through Dec. 31, 2026. 

    Read More
    Growing our Generation: Representing Ohio in Charlotte

    Maggie Preston, Lincoln Deitrick and Denver Davis describe their role in agriculture, their Farm Bureau involvement and what it means to win their respective state awards.

    Read More
    View All Articles
    View All Articles
    OFBF Logo
    Navigate
    • About Us
    • Membership
    • Advocacy
    • Community
    • Foundation
    • Shop
    Resources
    • Contact Us
    • Staff and Board Directory
    • Job Postings
    • Privacy Policy & Terms Of Use
    • Advertise With Us
    • County Farm Bureaus
    Membership
    • Join
    • Login
    Get In Touch

    Got questions or feedback?
    We'd love to hear from you.

    • Facebook Icon
    • X Icon
    • Linkedin Icon
    • Instagram Icon
    • Youtube Icon
    • TikTok Icon

    Ohio Farm Bureau Federation is a member of American Farm Bureau Federation®, a national organization of farmers and ranchers including Farm Bureau® organizations in 49 other states and Puerto Rico, and is responsible for Farm Bureau membership and programs within the State of Ohio. Ohio Farm Bureau Federation programs and services are available only to Farm Bureau members within Ohio. The political views expressed in these pages represent Ohio Farm Bureau Federation's positions on various issues as they relate to Ohio. The positions of the national Farm Bureau organization collectively are expressed through American Farm Bureau Federation. Any opinions, statements or views expressed through comments or by outside contributors are the express views of those individuals and do not necessarily represent the views of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.

    OFBF Logo
    • Facebook Icon
    • X Icon
    • Linkedin Icon
    • Instagram Icon
    • Youtube Icon
    • TikTok Icon
    Navigate
    • About Us
    • Membership
    • Advocacy
    • Community
    • Foundation
    • Shop
    Resources
    • Contact Us
    • Staff and Board Directory
    • Job Postings
    • Privacy Policy & Terms Of Use
    • Advertise With Us
    • County Farm Bureaus
    Get In Touch

    Got questions or feedback?
    We'd love to hear from you.

    Ohio Farm Bureau Federation is a member of American Farm Bureau Federation®, a national organization of farmers and ranchers including Farm Bureau® organizations in 49 other states and Puerto Rico, and is responsible for Farm Bureau membership and programs within the State of Ohio. Ohio Farm Bureau Federation programs and services are available only to Farm Bureau members within Ohio. The political views expressed in these pages represent Ohio Farm Bureau Federation's positions on various issues as they relate to Ohio. The positions of the national Farm Bureau organization collectively are expressed through American Farm Bureau Federation. Any opinions, statements or views expressed through comments or by outside contributors are the express views of those individuals and do not necessarily represent the views of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.

    County

    Join

    Account

    Search