Smiling farmers in a large turkey barn, dedicated to animal care and well-being

Our commitment to humane animal care and well-being

Animal care and well-being are central to who we are as a company. Our vast network of contract farmers and nearly 7,000 team members adhere to a stringent, zero-tolerance policy against any form of animal mistreatment. In addition, Butterball voluntarily participates in a third-party animal welfare oversight program through the American Humane Society (AHS). 

In 2013, Butterball was the first, and remains the only, commercial turkey company to be awarded the coveted American Humane Certified™ certification mark. This certification, which is present on all our packaging, is assurance that we are committed to producing healthy, high-quality turkeys in a responsible way.  

Butterball goes above and beyond industry standards by following the animal care guidelines set by the AHS farm program and the National Turkey Federation, and we continually assess our policies, procedures and emerging technologies to enhance our standards of care. Our efforts are a testament to the emphasis we place on ethical and humane treatment of our turkeys.

American Humane Certified products

For over a decade, Butterball has proudly produced American Humane Certified™ products. This distinction sets Butterball apart from other turkey products at the grocery store.

To maintain our American Humane Certified™ certification, we hold our contract farmers, operations team, transportation partners and harvest facilities accountable to 200 rigorous, science-based standards annually audited by AHS, the first and largest Farm Animal Welfare Audit Program in the U.S. In addition to AHS audits, we conduct internal humane audits quarterly following AHS standards.

Our certification with AHS has allowed Butterball to adopt the latest scientific research and technologies to enhance the well-being of our turkeys, reinforcing our integrity and commitment to ethical and humane practices.

"The American Humane Certified™ Farm program empowers consumers to make choices that align with their values, knowing the food they serve comes from farms that put animal welfare first. Butterball has long demonstrated how a trusted brand can prioritize humane practices while bringing people together around the table. Their commitment shows that doing what’s right for animals is also what’s right for families.” - Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Society

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Accountability and Trust

Our team members and the public are encouraged to say something if they see something when it comes to the care of our turkeys. Our policy is to investigate all claims of animal abuse and enforce our zero-tolerance policy. In the event mistreatment is confirmed, we would take immediate legal action and terminate all parties involved.  

The decision to pursue American Humane certification was driven by our organization’s desire to set a new benchmark for animal well-being within the industry. Our transparency and responsibility in food production strengthens consumers’ trust in Butterball products and the values behind the brand name. ​We are proud to be the best known and most loved* brand of turkey in the U.S. 

 * Source: 2024 Kantar Brand Tracking Dec 2024 n=361

Dr. Alice Johnson Talks Turkey Care

In November 2024, Dr. Alice Johnson, Butterball’s Senior VP of Food Safety, Quality, & Animal Care, was featured on the American Humane Society’s podcast, Robin’s Nest. Dr. Johnson has been with Butterball for over 20 years and provides a thorough explanation of the oversight and care that goes into raising Butterball turkeys.

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Meet our Advisory Council

Butterball’s Animal Care and Well-Being Advisory Council includes leading specialists in animal husbandry standards and advancement in protocols. 

Dr. Temple Grandin, Colorado State University 

Dr. Jesse Grimes, North Carolina State University 

Dr. Colin Scanes, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 

Dr. Joy Mench, University of California-Davis 

Dr. Yvonne Thaxton, University of Arkansas

Position on Antibiotics

Our philosophy is simple: To produce the high-quality products you expect from us, it is vital that our turkeys stay healthy. Our commitment to their health and well-being starts at the farm.

All Butterball turkeys are raised hormone- and steroid-free in accordance with U.S. Department of Agriculture requirements. To maintain the health of our turkeys, we administer antibiotics only as needed, under the guidance of a licensed veterinarian to ensure they live healthy lives. We are committed to the responsible use of antibiotics. In 2015, we refined our policy on antibiotic use and eliminated use of any labeled as growth promotants.

Additionally, Butterball is proud to offer Farm to Family® by Butterball®, a line of products with no antibiotics ever. 

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Frequently asked questions

Is Butterball American Humane Certified™?

Yes, Butterball has been American Humane Certified™ since 2013. We were the first, and remain the only, commercial turkey company to be awarded the certification mark. This certification, which is present on all our packaging, is assurance that we are committed to producing healthy, high-quality turkeys in a responsible way.

What is American Humane Society?

American Humane Society is a U.S. nonprofit that sets science-based animal welfare standards. To learn more about American Humane Society, visit their website here.

How are antibiotics used?

Antibiotics are only used when medically necessary under a veterinarian’s oversight. In 2015, we refined our policy on antibiotic use and eliminated use of any labeled as growth promotants.

Do your turkeys receive hormones or steroids?

Butterball turkeys do not receive hormones or steroids. The USDA prohibits hormones or steroids in all poultry.