by Dawn Smith-Pfeifer
That headline probably really dates me, but thinking and talking about turkey is top of mind for a lot of people right now as Thanksgiving approaches. Planning and budgeting for that traditional centerpiece to your meal might need a little extra thought.
According to a recent American Farm Bureau Federation Market Intel, the retail price for fresh, boneless, skinless turkey breast reached a record high of $6.70 per pound in September. An outbreak of avian influenza and inflation are adding to the price hikes, but farmers aren’t profiting from these record high retail prices. High costs for feed, fuel, fertilizer and labor have made raising turkeys much more expensive.
Nevertheless, it looks like there won’t be a turkey shortage for Thanksgiving, according to the National Turkey Foundation.
“If you’re looking for a turkey product this Thanksgiving, you’ll be able to find one,” said Joel Brandenberger, NTF president. “There has been a lot of discussion about whether avian influenza or the general economy is going to affect this holiday season. Thanks to the hard work of U.S. turkey producers, there will be an ample supply of turkeys available for Thanksgiving. Turkeys already are available for purchase in most grocery stores and supermarkets, and many retailers are offering special discounts and attractive prices on whole turkeys this Thanksgiving.”
Planning ahead is our top tip for securing a turkey that meets your needs – and it will also help reduce some of that holiday stress,” said Beth Breeding, NTF vice president. “If there is a specific weight or style of turkey you require, you’ll want to shop earlier or contact your local grocery store to find out when those products will be available.”
Here’s a fun fact for you about turkey farmers: Did you know our neighbor to the east, Minnesota, is the top turkey producing state in the nation? Turkey farmers there raise about 40.5 million birds each year. The next closest turkey competitor is North Carolina with 30 million.
So make your plans early and gobble up some turkey this Thanksgiving!😉
Smith-Pfeifer is the editor for OYT