U.S. Turkey Production Declines 3% in 2025

The decline in production marks the second consecutive year of contraction in the U.S. turkey industry.

WASHINGTON (RFD-TV) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) annual report, Turkeys Raised, shows U.S. turkey production slipping to 195 million head in 2025, down three percent year-over-year (yy). The decline marks the second-straight year of contraction in the nation’s turkey industry.

The top six producing states accounted for 68 percent of total domestic turkey production:

  1. Minnesota led with 32 million turkeys, unchanged yy
  2. North Carolina increased its output by four percent to 28 million
  3. Arkansas dropped by 12 percent to 22 million
  4. Indiana held steady at 20 million
  5. Missouri slipped three percent to 15 million
  6. Virginia eased two percent to 15 million

Other notable changes included Ohio down six percent to 6 million, Pennsylvania off three percent to 7.5 million, and South Dakota sharply lower at 2.4 million (that is, 86 percent of last year’s total). By contrast, West Virginia and Michigan showed slight gains.

The nationwide total reflects both regional declines and strong performance in North Carolina, but overall numbers remain below recent peaks, continuing pressure on processors and growers.

Related Stories
A strong corn export pull is supportive of bids; soybeans need steady vessel programs or fresh sales to firm cash.
According to the new report, seven out of ten rural bankers support President Trump’s recent trade steps with China, expressing cautious optimism about future export potential.
Persistently low Mississippi River levels are turning logistics challenges into pricing risks — tightening margins for grain producers and exporters across the heartland.
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.
A rescheduled WASDE, China’s soybean squeeze, barge bottlenecks, and premium beef demand all collide this week — with cash decisions, basis, and risk plans on the line.
High milk production and soft retail demand are squeezing prices and margins — making careful feed and risk management essential through year-end.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Jessi Grote from the AgriSafe Network provides winter safety guidance for rural communities still recovering from the recent winter storm.
CattleCon 2026 officially kicks off Tuesday and continues through Thursday, bringing producers together to shape the future of the U.S. cattle industry.
Traders say that shift could eventually prompt the USDA to scale back soybean export projections, noting the outlook differs greatly for other grain commodities.
The federal government’s status is far from the only factor moving the markets on Friday. Two critical reports released today on producer inflation and the status of the U.S. cattle herd are also top of mind.
Record milk output looks strong today, but shrinking replacement numbers mean future supply adjustments could be faster and more volatile.
Often overlooked, cotton wholesalers act as stabilizers during market stress, translating fragmented retail demand into workable production programs for mills and manufacturers.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.