Thanksgiving Turkey Supplies Hit Record Low Amid Disease Outbreaks

CHELSEA, Mich. (AP) — Larry Doll‘s Old Brick Farm, located west of Detroit, has seen a fortunate Thanksgiving season despite widespread bird flu outbreaks. Doll, who raises chickens, turkeys, and ducks, reported that his farm has not encountered any cases of the disease.

Over the last three months, more than 2 million turkeys in the U.S. have died due to the outbreak, leading to a significant reduction in the turkey population, which is now at a 40-year low. Doll plans to order an additional 100 turkey chicks soon, as his hatchery has had fewer available chicks due to the crisis.

“If you don’t get your order in early, you’re not going to get it,” Doll said about the challenges of securing turkey supply.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that wholesale turkey prices will rise by approximately 44% this year due to the declining population. Despite the higher prices, many grocery stores are still offering discounts or free turkeys to help mitigate the financial impact on consumers.

While turkey prices may be subjected to inflation, the costs of other essential Thanksgiving ingredients have also risen. Recent data from market research firm Datasembly indicates that a basket of 11 popular Thanksgiving items costs about $58.81, reflecting a 4.1% increase from the previous year.

Factors contributing to the price hike include tariffs on imported steel, which have raised canning prices. Other staples such as canned goods are expected to rise as well. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, the average cost of a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 is estimated to be around $55.16 this year.

Doll’s farm, which has been in operation for five generations, saw all 92 of his turkeys sold at $6.50 per pound. “I just love it, to think that we are providing the centerpiece of their Thanksgiving dinner,” he expressed proudly.