LUBBOCK, Texas (RFD-TV) — Thanksgiving shoppers will pay sharply more for their centerpiece birds this year, though several side-dish staples could offer some relief. Dr. David Anderson, livestock economist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, says wholesale turkey prices have climbed to $1.68 per pound, up 70 percent from 99 cents a year ago.
Production is down by more than eight percent amid higher feed, labor, and energy costs, as well as lingering fallout from avian influenza, which continues to limit supply. With hens taking up to 18 weeks and toms more than 20 to reach market weight, rebuilding inventories has been slow, tightening availability heading into the holidays.
Grocers typically feature promotional pricing on turkeys to draw shoppers, but Anderson notes fewer specials so far this year. While centerpiece birds cost more, other items are trending lower: eggs down 51 percent, milk and butter cheaper on stronger dairy output, and modest declines for many baking goods. Ham and steak prices remain firm, and potatoes and cranberries are slightly higher than last year. Anderson says even with higher prices, turkey still represents good meal value given its yield and leftovers.
Farm-Level Takeaway: A smaller U.S. turkey flock and resurgent avian flu have tightened supplies, driving prices higher even as other key holiday foods show mixed trends.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist
Recent U.S.–China trade developments provided a small lift for soy markets, though most traders are waiting for concrete purchase data before making major moves.
November 04, 2025 12:34 PM
·
Expect modest relief on several produce lines, mixed protein trends into holiday buying, and softer veg-oil costs — a good week to sharpen forward buys selectively.
November 04, 2025 11:29 AM
·
The WASDE/Crop Production combo will be the first full read on supply, demand, and yield that could move basis and hedging plans since the government shutdown more than a month ago.
November 03, 2025 09:34 AM
·
China’s grain expansion model may be hitting its limit. Lower prices, high rents, and policy fatigue threaten future output — with ripple effects across global feed and oilseed markets.
November 02, 2025 05:06 AM
·
Market analyst and friend of the show, Shawn Hackett, says Brazil’s shifting use of crops for biofuel production is a significant factor.
October 31, 2025 01:17 PM
·
“It does not extinguish right away here — in any sort of sense — the real profitability concerns and people’s ability to pay bills and get to the other side of this in the very short term. This is where the skepticism builds.”
October 30, 2025 02:20 PM
·
