It isn't easy to get away. But it's worth it.

Join us for the Annual ITF Winter Convention! We know it isn't easy to get away from the farm, the birds or the office. We also know it will be worth it. The ITF warmly invites you to join us for our Winter Convention - an event built with our turkey farmers, Allied partners and friends of industry in mind. We have expert-led educational sessions, valuable networking opportunities, great conversations, recognition of industry leaders, festive hospitality , plenty of Western flair and holiday cheer. Take a little time away, reconnect with the people who understand this industry, learn something new and celebrate the people who make Iowa's turkey industry strong. We hope you'll join us for Cowboy Christmas: A Night at the NFR!

December 8 - December 10, 2026

West Des Moines Marriott, West Des Moines, Iowa

Schedule

Tuesday 8:30 amRegistration Open

Pick up your name badge, grab some candy and get ready to enjoy the convention.

Tuesday 9 amFutures Committee Meeting

The Futures Committee provides an open forum to share problems and concerns impacting Iowa's turkey industry.

Tuesday 12 pmWLF Meeting

Private (Invite Only)

Tuesday 2 pmAg State Meeting

Private (Invite Only)

Tuesday 4 pmHospitality

The famous Feed Energy bar, appetizers and networking.

Wednesday 7 amRegistration

Pick up your name badge, grab some candy and get ready to enjoy the convention.

Wednesday 7 amBreakfast

Fuel up for a full day of education.

Wednesday 8 amEducation Session

Speakers and topics listed below.

Wednesday 12 pmLunch

Wednesday 1 pmEducation Session

Speakers and topics listed below.

Wednesday 5 pmHospitality

Show off your best NFR outfits and get photos taken.

Wednesday 6 pmBanquet & Awards

What would the ITF WC Banquet be without our annual carving of turkeys?! We'll enjoy food, cocktails, presentations and the ITF PAC Auction!

Wednesday 8 pmBanquet Hospitality & Entertainment

Join us for the Feed Energy bar, enjoy music preformed by Duff Ave Band, play games and network.

Thursday 7:30 amBreakfast

Wrap up convention with a breakfast to fuel your day.

Speakers

Kendall Lamkey Associate Dean of Facilities & Operations

Iowa State University Facilities Update

Sara Ahmed

ORT

Tobi Aminu

Reovirus

Dr. Eman Gadu Post Doctoral Research Associate

aMPV G Gene Sequencing

Dr. Juan Steibel J. Lush Chair in Animal Breeding and Genetics at Iowa State University

Computer Vision in Turkey Breeding and Management

Phoebe Flaskey Graduate Student

Non-Infectious Causes of Mortality in Turkey Flocks

Cameron Hall Graduate Student

Impact of Valine to Lysine Ratio in Male Turkey Poults

Gretta Irwin ITF Executive Director

ITF Update

Keith Fleetwood Poultry & Feed Mill Specialist

Evolution of feed mill equipment, technology & pellet quality

Valentin Thenueau Poultry Specialist

Beyond Borders: Shaping Turkey Nutrition Through Shared US & European Expertise

Brendan Heinichen Poultry Nutritionist, PhD.

Ingredients 101 - What Ingredients do for the Turkeys

Paige Rohlf Research and Development Manager for Aviagen Turkeys

Genetic Company Update - Aviagen

Dr. Terry Olson Senior Manager, Veterinarian

Bordetellosis

Jill Altringer ITF Lobbyist

ITF PAC Discussion

Tom Stumo Director, Meat Procurement

Market/Supply/Demand Outlook

Leslee Oden NTF President & CEO

NTF Questions & Answers

Ryley Vanderhout Geneticist

Hendrix Genetics Update

Steve Bohr

Succession Planning Workshop

Still need a room? Click here to book at the West Des Moines Marriott!

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