July 23, 2009

Turkey lovers won’t have to wait until Thanksgiving for a succulent fowl feast, thanks to a new poultry management project at Fresno State cooked up with Zacky Farms of Fresno. Starting Thursday, June 7, student-produced turkeys will be sold at the university’s Farm Market.

A presentation at 9 a.m. Thursday will mark the arrival of the first of the project’s 1,300 turkeys at the Farm Market.

Richard Zacky, owner of Zacky Farms, will join animal science professor Michelle Ganci, who oversees the poultry unit; Dr. Art Parham, Animal Science Department chair; and Dr. Charles Boyer, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology.

They will unveil the new “Fresno State Young Turkeys” freezer display. They will also talk about the latest partnership between the university and private industry to provide a well-rounded academic and practical experience for Fresno State ag students.

Farm Market patrons can sample a breakfast recipe prepared by Fresno State Culinology® student Quinn Zweigle using turkey and other student-produced products. Zweigle also will discuss ways to barbecue turkey during the summer grilling season.

The Farm Market is located on campus at Chestnut and Barstow avenues.

Photo Caption: Quinn Zweigle, center, shows off the new Fresno State Young Turkeys to fellow Farm Market employees to Meghan Grennan (left) and Ashleigh Davis.