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
Income support helps, but farm finances remain tight heading into 2026.
Rebuilding domestic textiles depends on automation and vertical integration, not tariffs or legacy manufacturing models.
RFD NEWS correspondent Frank McCaffrey spoke with U.S. Congressmen Henry Cuellar (D-TX) and John Rose (R-TN), who say bipartisan cooperation will be key to getting the Farm Bill to the president’s desk.
Strong supplies and rising stocks point to continued price pressure unless demand accelerates.
Seasonal price patterns can inform soybean marketing timing, particularly when harvest prices appear unusually strong or weak.
Low prices are painful now, but production response could support stronger milk markets later in 2026.

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:

Farm Bureau economist Dr. Faith Parum explains how geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East could further tighten fertilizer movement, increase fuel costs, and complicate planting decisions for U.S. farmers this spring.
Farm CPA Paul Nieffer explains the Farmer Bridge Assistance payment limits, provides clarity on new legislation, and offers advice for producers considering business structure adjustments.
Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins discusses the potential impact of data center growth on farmland, the Landowner Fairness Act, and key priorities for Missouri farmers heading into planting season.
Dr. David Anderson with Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension discusses how geopolitical tensions and the Middle East, along with export disruptions in the Chinese market, will shape cattle markets in the months ahead.
Refining shifts could influence fuel and input costs.
Energy shifts influence diesel and fertilizer costs.
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.