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
Record ethanol production and improving blending demand continue to support corn usage despite rising short-term inventories.
Tight beef cow supplies and steady demand point to continued record-level cull cow prices in 2026.
A high-stakes legal case in a South Dakota federal court concerning misleading country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL), such as “Product of the USA,” on food products, will significantly impact U.S. agricultural policy for years to come.
Agronomy experts explain why standing crop residue protects soil and reduces costs for crop growers, while shredding often yields little benefit at higher costs.
USDA flash corn sales, Cattle on Feed and Inventory reports, and beef packer antitrust concerns dominate January agricultural market news.
Larger grain stocks increase supply pressure, but strong fall disappearance — especially for corn and sorghum — suggests demand remains an important offset.

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:

Restored base acres strengthen cotton risk protection.
Agriculture Freedom Zones reflect rising concern that data center growth must not strain rural grids or displace productive farmland.
Record Choice grading levels are changing how beef quality premiums are valued.
Be sure to catch Kim Collingsworth on Gaither Gospel Hour’s new special, “His Gift, My Story,” tonight, Friday, Feb. 27, at 6 p.m. ET, on RFD Network and streaming on RFD+
Britt Hilton with the Oklahoma Farm Bureau joined us to discuss current conditions, producer impacts, and the road to recovery following the Ranger Road Fire.
National FFA Southern Region Vice President T. Wayne William talks about Wear Blue Day, the history of the blue jacket, and why the tradition continues to inspire pride and connection among FFA members nationwide.
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.