Gov. Tim Walz, second right, accepts the symbolic presentation of a turkey from Paisley VonBerge, a Future Farmers of America leader from Hutchinson, at the Minnesota State Capitol on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, as state Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen and first lady Gwen Walz look on. (AP Photo/Steve Karnowski)
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — As feathers flew, Tim Walz accepted the symbolic presentation of a turkey Tuesday as he eases back into his duties as Minnesota’s governor following the Harris-Walz ticket’s defeat in the presidential election.
Unlike the Minnesota-grown turkeys that President Joe Biden pardoned at the White House on Monday, Walz didn’t pardon this turkey, he said, “because in Minnesota we know turkeys are delicious.”
The 41.8-pounder named Tom was raised by Paisley VonBerge, a Future Farmers of America leader from Hutchinson, and it will star in her family’s Thanksgiving dinner. It flapped its wings and shed feathers as she hoisted it onto a display table but quickly calmed down, oblivious to its fate.
“After today, this bird will go back to my farm to be enjoyed the way that turkeys are intended,” Paisley said.
“That is very Minnesotan,” Walz added to loud laughter. “We don’t hide the fact we love our turkeys.”
Minnesota produces more turkeys annually than any other state. Its farmers raised 38.5 million birds in 2023, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics, followed by North Carolina at 29 million. North Carolina edged Minnesota last year in total poundage, producing just over 1.07 billion pounds, compared with just over 1.05 billion pounds for Minnesota.
The ceremony in the governor’s reception room was the first time Walz had met with reporters at the state Capitol since last summer, before Vice President Kamala Harris picked him as her running mate.
While Walz has held private meetings in recent weeks with staff, legislative leaders and other public officials, interviewed potential judicial appointees, and fielded some press questions, he’s still ramping back up with public events. He said Tuesday that he had no regrets about agreeing to run — and is proud he did.
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