THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE ALABAMA POULTRY & EGG ...

ASSOCIATION NEWS
Alabama turkey producer presents
Governor with holiday turkey
Clyde No. 7 and Henrietta — the
governor's Thanksgiving turkeys —
are grateful to be spending yet
another Thanksgiving Day on Bill
Bates' turkey farm in Greenville,
Ala., instead of on a platter at the
Rileys' home in Ashland, Ala.
Still, it was another close call for
Clyde and Henrietta as severe
weather threatened to postpone their
pardoning date, which was scheduled
for Wednesday, Nov. 15, 10
a.m., at the Governor's Mansion in
Montgomery.
This tradition has been a part of
the governor's office for 58 years.
Big Jim Folsom was the first
Alabama governor to receive a holiday
turkey from Bates in 1948.
Keeping the theme of being
thankful and helping others,
Alabama's First Lady Patsy Riley
promoted her Blankets with a
Blessing campaign. Mrs. Riley is
urging Alabamians to donate new
blankets that she will attach with a
blessing, and give to area shelters
around Alabama.
About 25 children from the
Riverchase Methodist Day School
brought blankets and songs to share
with the Rileys. Alabama‘s
Commissioner of Agriculture and
Industries Ron Sparks talked with
the children about the importance of
celebrating Thanksgiving and then
Mrs. Riley read two books to them.
Between his turkey farm and his
restaurant, Bates House of Turkey,
Bates grows, processes, further
processes, smokes, cooks, and
serves his product to thousands of
Alabamians and visitors from other
states each year.
4 Alabama Poultry November/December 2006
Clyde and Henrietta wait patiently in anticipation of the decision from Gov. Bob Riley about their fate.
Also waiting while the governor deliberates on whether or not to pardon the turkeys are members of the
Bates family and other guests. (Left to right) Jessica Dent, granddaughter; Bill Bates; Becky Sloan,
daughter; Gov. Bob Riley; Mrs. Patsy Riley; Com. Ron Sparks; AP&EA Executive Director Johnny
Adams; and Thomas Bates, son.
A Special Invitation for Growers
January 24-26, 2007
Georgia World Congress Center
Atlanta, Georgia
ATTEND ANY DAYS YOU WISH!
Experience the world’s largest trade shows for the poultry and
feed sectors of the industry. More than 900 exhibitors will display
thousands of specialized and innovative products and services at
the International Poultry Expo and International Feed Expo. You
can network with others who share similar interests and concerns.
And you’ll learn more about the processing side of the industry.
Registration opens each morning at 7:30 a.m. You must bring
this coupon along with a completed registration form to a cashier
in either Building B or C of the Georgia World Congress Center
to take advantage of the reduced admission fee.
For more information, visit us at www.ipe07.org or phone
770.493.9401. *Get a free Biosecurity CD too!
GROWER DAYS
Admission Only $5* (A Savings of $45)
Compliments of U.S. Poultry & Egg Association