BLOG: Maryland Turkey Trivia

So as a guy who grew up on the Eastern Shore, I am all to familiar with the fact that Maryland (along with Delaware) raises a ton of chickens and has a huge poultry industry.

However, that Thanksgiving week I got wondering, just how big is the turkey industry here in the Free State.

With just a bit of research, I found the following fascinating bit of research, so get ready for some "MD Turkey Trivia" (courtesy of greenbelt.patch.com).

**Local Turkey Trivia**

    * Maryland farmers raised 750,000 turkeys totaling more than 26.3 million pounds, with a total value of $13.7 million in 2007, according to the most recent figures from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, which takes a census of agriculture every five years.

    * There are just three certified organic turkey farms in Maryland, according to the state Agriculture Department's organic certification program. Sattva Place of Rocky Ridge, MD., Frederick County (240) 446-8556, Nick's Organic Farm LLC of Potomac, MD . (301) 983-2167, and White House Farm of Chestertown, MD. Kent County (410) 348-5554.

    * The name of that red, fleshy growth that hangs down over the turkey beak is called the snood . The term for the bright red appendage at the neck is called the wattle . For more turkey anatomy and other facts, check out the website of the Washington-based  National Turkey Federation .