Grocery Chains Hold Turkey Prices Steady While Many Popular Thanksgiving Staples Rise Sharply Across Markets

At Old Brick Farm, Larry Doll cultivates chickens, turkeys, and ducks, enjoying a fortuitous Thanksgiving season. Situated west of Detroit, Doll's farm reported no bird flu cases, despite a serious outbreak that has led to over 2 million U.S. turkeys perishing in recent months. Additionally, the avian metapneumovirus, known to reduce turkey egg production, did not affect his flock. “Maintaining cleanliness and restricting animal importation from other farms mitigates risk,” Doll explained, noting his family’s five-generation legacy.However, the sicknesses have diminished the U.S. turkey population to a 40-year low, resulting in Doll's hatchery providing fewer turkey chicks this year. He intends to order 100 hatchlings soon, arriving in July. According to Michigan State University's economist David Ortega, turkey prices could soar by 40% compared to last year. Although there are discounts available, the cumulative costs of Thanksgiving staples are rising, with various factors influencing this year’s pricing dynamics.