Phillips County Museum News for Wednesday, November 22, 2023

In the late 1920s and early 1930s, a lot of poultry was raised for sale in Phillips County. In 1931, 39,543 pounds of turkeys, ducks, geese and chicken were shipped through the Phillips County Turkey Pool. Fifty-six growers sold through the Pool that year. In December 1932, nearly 20,000 pounds of dressed turkeys were shipped from Malta to eastern markets for the Christmas season. It was stated that 95% of the birds delivered were graded prime and the balance were choice. A few commercial-grade birds were sold locally at ten cents per pound. Those who sold through the pool received $1.00 to $1.50 more per bird than those who sold independently.

In January 1933, over 8,000 pounds of Phillips County turkeys were again shipped to eastern markets. In this shipment, 75% of the birds were graded prime, 19% choice, and 6% commercial. According to the newspaper article, there were more crooked-breasted and poorly finished birds than in the December shipment.

In November 1933, 23,000 pounds of turkey were shipped from Malta to New York. Starting with this shipment, shippers received ten cents a pound advance payment for prime, eight cents for choice and 5 cents for commercial grades.

Visit the Phillips County Museum to learn interesting facts about Phillips County. Museum hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.