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
Placements and marketings beat expectations, but declining on-feed totals and feeder constraints keep the supply story supportive for cattle prices into 2026. Dr. Derrell Peel, with Oklahoma State University, joined us to break down cattle-on-feed numbers and provide his broader market outlook.
January 23, 2026 04:40 PM
·
Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses supply chain challenges facing agriculture as snow, sleet and ice threaten most of the Eastern U.S.
January 23, 2026 01:36 PM
·
Large-scale land purchases signal rising competition for ranchland, reinforcing its value while reshaping long-term access and control in rural agriculture.
January 23, 2026 07:00 AM
·
Brian Earnest, an animal protein economist with CoBank, shares insights into current demand trends and the challenges facing broiler production.
January 22, 2026 06:34 PM
·
Moderate oil prices may ease fuel costs, but continued caution in the energy sector could limit rural economic growth.
January 22, 2026 06:00 PM
·
From tariff talks in Europe to SCOTUS uncertainty and rising farm losses, analysts say policy and global supply will shape grain markets in the year ahead.
January 22, 2026 12:40 PM
·
