WILLMAR, MINN. – Jennie-O Turkey Store, a subsidiary of Hormel Foods, announced that the long-running turkey hotline would be available for customers starting on Nov. 2.

Home chefs can call 1-800-TURKEYS or text the word Turkey to 73876 to talk with a specialist from Jennie-O. 

The turkey subsidiary said it would have other people on the consumer engagement team help people with turkey cooking. Starting on Nov. 19, people can run their questions by well-known chefs and social media influencers if they call the turkey number.

“In a year when family bonds and giving thanks are more important than ever, we are thrilled to help make Thanksgiving meals entertaining, flavorful and easy,” said Nicole Behne, vice president of marketing at Jennie-O. “No matter where you are or who you’re with this season, Jennie-O is here to answer your questions and help make your Thanksgiving meal a success.”

In addition to the turkey line, Jennie-O will let consumers track whole turkeys back to the original farm using its turkey tracker through Nov. 29. Features include calculating how much turkey to buy, full menus for Thanksgiving dinner and uses for leftovers. 

Hormel adds more controllers

In other Hormel/Jennie-O news, the company recently named Paul Kuehneman assistant controller to oversee finance for the Jennie-O supply chain.

Kuehneman will also manage product cost, financial analysis, management reporting and forecasting. Kuehneman currently works as vice president and chief financial officer for Jennie-O Turkey Store.

He joined the company in 1993 and held various accountant and controller roles at the company’s Austin, Minn., and Rochelle, Ill., food manufacturing facilities as well as the company’s corporate office in Austin, Minn. 

Eldon Quam was also appointed to Hormel’s assistant controller for the grocery products and international segments’ financial operations. He will also lead financial shared services, revenue and budgeting. 

Both men will report to Jana Haynes, vice president and controller at Hormel Foods.

“Both Paul and Eldon bring expansive technical capabilities along with exceptional understanding of our company and its financial operations,” Hayes said. “I look forward to continuing to work with them both in their new roles.”