Thanksgiving Turkey Prices Soar Due to Shortages and Increased Costs

Thanksgiving Turkey Shortage

• 🦃 This year, there is a shortage of turkeys for Thanksgiving, requiring a larger budget for purchase.
• 📉 The American Farm Bureau Federation anticipates a problem securing Thanksgiving turkeys, though the cost may be higher due to a 3% decrease in flock size compared to last year.

Factors Affecting Turkey Supply

• 🦠 Avian flu has impacted over 2 million turkeys, significantly reducing the available supply.
• 🥚 Avian pneumovirus, while less deadly, decreases the egg supply for future generations of turkeys.
• 🧑‍🌾 Fewer farmers are currently raising turkeys, contributing to the overall reduction in available birds.

Increased Cost Per Pound

• 📈 The USDA reports that the average cost of frozen turkey has increased to $1.32 per pound this year, up from 94 cents per pound in 2024.
• 💰 This represents a 40% increase in the cost per pound for consumers.

Local Farm Challenges

• 💸 At JD Farms in Sussex County, New Jersey, the price increase for turkeys is 10%, attributed to rising operational costs.
• 🚚 Costs for baby turkeys and feed have significantly increased, alongside higher delivery prices and minimum purchase requirements.
• 🗣️ Despite the increased cost to raise, the farm hopes the birds will be worth every penny at Thanksgiving.