Uncover the Turkeys and Tech in Minnesota's Farming Scene
John Zimmerman's Farming Journey
John Zimmerman's father started raising turkeys in the early 1950s. Zimmerman went to Iowa State University and worked for a poultry integrator in western Minnesota. After his father's death in 1999, he returned home to continue the family farming. He is now a second-generation turkey farmer, raising corn, soybeans, and turkeys.Turkey farming in Minnesota has a rich history. Zimmerman's father was inspired by innovators in the industry like Heisinga and Earl B. Olsen. They started on a small scale through FFA projects and grew the business. Minnesota's access to corn and soybeans, along with available labor, made it a popular place for turkey farming.The Evolution of Turkeys and Farming Technology
The turkey itself has undergone significant genetic changes. Through genetic selection, turkeys are now larger and more efficient, weighing around 40 pounds at 17 weeks of age compared to 25 pounds in the 1950s and 1960s. Feed conversion has also improved, with only roughly two and a third pounds of feed needed to raise a pound of turkey now instead of over three to three and a half pounds 20 to 30 years ago.In addition to genetic improvements, farming technology has advanced. Zimmerman's barns are now climate-controlled and monitored through computers and his cell phone. They are experimenting with robotics to address labor shortages. This allows him to keep a close eye on his operations and be more efficient.The Importance of Producer Groups
The turkey industry is a small one and often overlooked. Zimmerman emphasizes the importance of producer groups like the National Turkey Federation and the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association. These groups give farmers a voice and allow them to participate in decision-making.Minnesota has a large number of family farm or independent growers, which gives the state an advantage in the turkey industry. Zimmerman's family has been actively involved in these organizations, with his father and mother serving as chairmen. He believes it is important for growers to be present and active in these groups to ensure their industry's future.Thanksgiving and the Turkey Industry
This year has been challenging for the turkey industry due to high-path avian influenza and poor markets. However, one of the perks of being the National Turkey Federation chairman is the opportunity to bring turkeys to the White House for the Thanksgiving presentation. Zimmerman's son and some neighbor kids have been raising a special "presidential flock" since July. Two of these birds will be taken to the White House, spend the night at the Willard Hotel, and participate in a National Thanksgiving Day pardoning celebration. Afterward, the birds will find a forever home at Farm America in Waseca, Minnesota.The National Turkey Federation is also promoting turkey in new ways. They are focusing on backyard grilling and smoking, trying to get more people to try different cuts of turkey. During Thanksgiving week, they engage with national barbecue societies and showcase different ways to prepare turkey.Family Traditions and Thanksgiving
Zimmerman's family usually goes to his mother's for Thanksgiving and she cooks a traditional turkey. However, his favorite is probably smoked turkey roasts with boneless white and dark meat. The leftovers are great for making sandwiches and other dishes.Thanksgiving is a time for family and food, and the turkey industry plays an important role. Zimmerman is proud to be a part of it and wishes everyone a happy Thanksgiving.Unveiling the Future of Samsung's Flagship with the Galaxy S25
Design and Features
The video seemingly originated on Reddit with the title "Galaxy S24 Ultra definitely". However, upon closer inspection, due to its rounded corners instead of the sharp 90-degree angles of the S24 Ultra, it seems more plausible that this device is the S25 Ultra. Renowned Samsung leaker Ice Universe also confirmed this speculation on X, along with @chunvn888. This isn't a definite confirmation that the Galaxy S25 Ultra will look exactly like this, but it adds to the growing list of leaks suggesting what we can expect.
This phone clearly belongs to the Samsung Galaxy Ultra series, featuring a 4-lens camera setup with laser autofocus, which is characteristic of these high-end devices. Interestingly, it has the flat edges and curved corners similar to phones like the iPhone 16 and Google Pixel 9. According to renders and leaks, Samsung is set to adopt this design choice next year. The reason behind this remains unclear, but at least the phone won't have corners that could pose a risk.
Camera Details
As Android Police highlights, this phone doesn't have the rumored camera rings around the rear lenses that were recently seen on leaked dummy units. It's uncertain whether this is due to the phone being a prototype or if Ice Universe is correct in suggesting that dummy units may not accurately represent the final device. This ambiguity adds to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the Galaxy S25.
Despite not getting to see much else in this short video, such as the user interface, we have no clear idea of what to expect from the upcoming OneUI 7 software. With the Galaxy S25 set to arrive, we'll have to wait and see how this software will enhance the overall user experience. January's approach is bringing us closer to the truth.
Release and Updates
Rumor has it that Galaxy Unpacked will take place on January 23, 2025. This means we still have a couple of months to patiently wait before we can lay our eyes on the Galaxy S25 in person. In the meantime, our Samsung Galaxy S25 and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra hubs will keep you updated with all the latest news and rumors. Stay tuned for more exciting developments!
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