Thanksgiving Turkey Prices: A Mixed Bag for Consumers

The turkey market has faced challenges this year due to bird flu and other diseases, leading to a 40-year low in the U.S. turkey population. As a result, wholesale turkey prices are expected to rise by 44%.

Despite this increase, many grocery stores are offering discounts on turkeys to attract customers. However, other Thanksgiving staples may be more expensive. A basket of 11 typical Thanksgiving items costs 4.1% more than last year, according to market research.

Interestingly, different organizations have varying estimates on the cost of a Thanksgiving meal. While some report a slight decrease in overall costs, others show an increase. This discrepancy highlights the complexity of pricing during the holiday season.

Farmers like Larry Doll have managed to avoid diseases on their farms but still feel the impact of the reduced turkey population. They are planning ahead and ordering turkey chicks early to ensure availability for future seasons.