There is No Shortage of Thanksgiving Turkeys

By Andrew Harig, Director Government Relations, Food Marketing Institute 

One of the few pieces of American history that I remember from my high school days is that Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be on the Seal of the United States instead of the bald eagle.  Unfortunately, like many things that sound too good to be true, this story is little more than a myth.  Franklin did, however, praise the many virtues of what he considered to be the most American of birds, “He is…though a little vain & silly, a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farm Yard.”  He might also have added that the turkey has it over the bald eagle in another way – he tastes absolutely delicious. 

As Thanksgiving nears, the story of Ben Franklin and the Great Seal is now being crowded out by yet another turkey myth  - that there is a shortage in the supply of turkeys that is not only driving up prices, but could also leave some consumers empty-handed come Thursday. It makes for terrifying headlines – Thanksgiving without Turkey! – but if you read past the lead-ins, you’ll find out that the story just isn’t true.  So, to save you time and concern, here are the facts:

1. There are more than enough turkeys available to meet consumer demand. Overall production of turkeys is not only down for the year; it is at an almost 30 year low.  The same high feed costs that have led ranchers to cut the size of their beef herds have also led turkey farmers to cut the size of their flocks.  But that doesn’t mean that demand is outstripping supply.  Even last minute turkey shoppers should find plenty of selection available to them. 
2. Wholesale turkey prices are on the rise….Those high feed costs are taking a toll on the wholesale market. 
3. …but, Consumers are getting some of the best deals in years on turkey.  When it comes to Thanksgiving and turkeys, current wholesale prices have very little to do with what consumers actually pay.  First, many retailers will have locked in their turkey supplies during the first part of the year, when wholesale prices were significantly lower (as little as $0.89 per pound as compared with the current $1.09 per pound average).  Second, many stores are willing to sell turkeys at cost, or even at a loss, if it brings shoppers through their doors.

So, when it comes to turkey, it is a buyer’s market.  And the good news is that this year’s record corn crop is setting the stage for lower feed prices in 2015, which could in turn lead to even lower prices for turkey next Thanksgiving.  I guess Ben Franklin knew what he was talking about.

In closing, there is one fact about Thanksgiving that is not a myth – too many families in America will go hungry on Thanksgiving.  Let’s all take advantage of those low turkey prices to make sure that everyone gets to share in a warm meal and the joy of the holiday.  Feeding America can help you find a local food bank that will take your donations, and a number of branches  of the USO are running “Turkey for the Troops” drives.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Photo Credit: Price Chopper Supermarkets