WASHINGTON — The National Turkey Federation (NTF) announced the 2024 officer team and executive committee members who were recently elected by the board of directors at the NTF Annual Convention in Austin, Texas.

The board elected John Zimmerman, owner of P&J Products Co., as the association’s new chairman.

“As a second-generation turkey farmer, I know first-hand how important the work of the National Turkey Federation is to our industry, and I am honored to serve as NTF chairman,” Zimmerman said. “While we have plenty of work ahead, I am confident we will be able to progress. Some of the key focus areas on the agenda for this year include maintaining the industry’s strong response to animal disease challenges, working with government agencies to ensure that food safety policies are based on science-driven principles, expanding international trade opportunities and serving as the voice of the turkey industry in Washington. I am grateful for this opportunity to represent the turkey industry and help find solutions for the critical tasks ahead.”

With 35 years of experience in the turkey industry, Zimmerman is a second-generation turkey farmer who raises turkey, corn and soybeans on his family farm near Northfield, Minn. He is currently board chairman of River Country Co-op. Previously, he served as president of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association and Minnesota Turkey Research and Promotion Council. He spent several years serving on the board of directors of MARL.

Zimmerman earned a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science at Iowa State University. He is also a graduate of the Minnesota Agricultural Rural Leadership Program.

In addition to Zimmerman’s appointment, Jay Jandrain of Butterball LLC was named vice chairman of NTF, and Thierry Murad of AJC International Inc. was named secretary-treasurer of NTF.

Steve Lykken of Jennie-O Turkey Store will move into the role of immediate past chairman.

Joining Zimmerman, Jandrain, Murad and Lykken on the 2024 Executive Committee will be Russ Dierenfield of Tyson Foods, Leon Fletcher of Cargill Inc., Doug Johnson of Perdue Farms Inc., John King of Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative, Michelle Kromm of Food Forward LLC, Ronnie Parker of Circle S Ranch, Christy Puffenbarger of Aviagen Turkeys, Jeff Segars of Foster Farms, Phil Seger of Farbest Farms Inc., Owen Willems of Hybrid Turkeys and Jordan Woodbury of Dakota Provisions.