Agricultural economists point out there鈥檚 no turkey shortage. If anything, shoppers might notice a slight increase in prices at the grocery store compared to last year.
Throughout this year, an avian flu strain has made its way across the country devastating large numbers of .
About 5 percent of the turkeys in those barns have been lost to that flu and that鈥檚 largely driving up prices.
But economists said that鈥檚 not enough to create a shortage.
Jim Chakeres, the executive vice president of the Ohio Poultry Association, said the avian flu is a main reason for the rise of prices, although there鈥檚 other factors too.
鈥淚t's costing more to have people on the farm and to employ farmers. And then we also have the transportation costs and energy costs,鈥� Chakeres said. 鈥淓verything is higher. And so it's kind of this perfect storm all coming together for high prices across the board.鈥�
Costs for turkey feed like corn and soy are up this year too.
The most recent average price of a wholesale fresh turkey is around $1.80/lb, which is about 20 percent higher compared to last year.
Frozen turkeys in Midwest markets range anywhere from $0.89/lb - $1.80/lb, according to a .
Although some trends suggest prices might be going though.
Chakeres said although finding a 20-pound bird might be harder this year, the alternative might be to purchase a smaller bird or look at buying frozen.
鈥淭urkeys are raised year round, so there are turkeys in the freezer. They're ready to go to the stores and they will be available for you,鈥� Chakeres said. 鈥淚f you're used to buying a fresh turkey, you might have to buy a frozen one this year, but the quality is just as good.鈥�
while turkey production is down this year, it鈥檚 expected to bounce back in 2023.
Alejandro Figueroa is a corps member with , a national service program that places journalists into local newsrooms.
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