Jay Jandrain of Butterball to Serve as 2025 National Turkey Federation Chairman

WASHINGTON, February 24, 2025 – The National Turkey Federation (NTF) announced the 2025 officer team and Executive Committee members recently elected by the Board of Directors at the 2025 NTF Annual Convention in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Jay Jandrain of Butterball, LLC. was elected to serve as chairman. Christy Puffenbarger of Aviagen Turkeys will serve as vice chairwoman and Leon Fletcher of Cargill as secretary-treasurer. John Zimmerman of P&J Products will move into the role of immediate past chairman.

“It’s an incredible honor to serve as chairman of the National Turkey Federation and to represent the hardworking individuals who make this industry strong,” said Jandrain. “The turkey industry continues to innovate and adapt, and NTF plays a critical role in advocating for policies that support our farmers, processors and partners. This year, we will remain focused on key priorities, including strengthening our response to animal health challenges, ensuring science-based food safety policies and expanding market opportunities both at home and abroad. I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to build on the industry’s successes and help shape a strong future for the turkey industry.”

Jay Jandrain is the president and CEO of Butterball, LLC., the largest producer of turkey products in the United States. He was appointed to the role in 2018 after serving as Butterball’s chief operating officer, where he oversaw plant operations, corporate purchasing, transportation and warehousing, demand and supply planning, corporate engineering and research and development.

Jandrain joined Butterball in 2002 as director of research and development and has since held key leadership positions, including vice president of deli sales, vice president of R&D, vice president of integrated business strategy and executive vice president of sales. His expertise spans product innovation, operations and strategic growth, helping to strengthen Butterball’s position in the poultry industry.

Before joining Butterball, Jandrain built his career in food production with leadership roles at Cargill and Plantation Foods, focusing on sales, marketing and R&D management. Jandrain earned a bachelor’s degree in food science from Cornell University.

Joining Jandrain, Puffenbarger, Fletcher and Zimmerman on the 2025 Executive Committee will be:

Brandon Achen, West Liberty Foods Kevin Atkins, Perdue Farms Russ Dierenfield, Tyson Foods Ryan Downes, Farbest Foods Peter Gruhl, Next Nest LSI John King, Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative Dr. Michelle Kromm, Food Forward, LLC. Blair McCorriston, Hybrid Turkeys Ronnie Parker, Circle S Ranch Matt Schrupp, Jennie-O Turkey Store Jordan Woodbury, Dakota Provisions

About the National Turkey Federation The National Turkey Federation (NTF) is the national advocate for America’s turkey farmers and producers, raising awareness for its members’ products while strengthening their ability to profitably and safely deliver wholesome, high-quality and nutritious food to consumers worldwide. NTF is the sole national trade association exclusively representing the turkey industry; its members account for more than 95 percent of all U.S. turkey production.