Applications for 2025 YAP competitive events now open
Ohio Farm Bureau Young Ag Professionals program is seeking participants for its Discussion Meet, Excellence in Agriculture, and Outstanding Young Farmer contests.
Read MoreThe shopping list for Farm Bureau’s informal survey includes turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a veggie tray, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and coffee and milk, all in quantities sufficient to serve a family of 10 with plenty for leftovers.
Spending time with family and friends at Thanksgiving remains important for many Americans and this year the cost of the meal is also top of mind. Farm Bureau’s 37th annual survey provides a snapshot of the average cost of this year’s classic Thanksgiving feast for 10, which is $64.05 or less than $6.50 per person. This is a $10.74 or 20% increase from last year’s average of $53.31.
The centerpiece on most Thanksgiving tables – the turkey – costs more than last year, at $28.96 for a 16-pound bird. That’s $1.81 per pound, up 21% from last year, due to several factors beyond general inflation. Farm Bureau “volunteer shoppers” checked prices Oct. 18-31, before most grocery store chains began featuring whole frozen turkeys at sharply lower prices. According to USDA Agricultural Marketing Service data, the average per-pound feature price for whole frozen turkeys was $1.11 the week of Nov. 3-9 and 95 cents the week of Nov. 10-16, a decline of 14% in just one week; and the share of stores offering feature prices rose from 29% to 60%. This means consumers who have not yet purchased a turkey should be able to find one at a lower cost than the Farm Bureau average.
“General inflation slashing the purchasing power of consumers is a significant factor contributing to the increase in average cost of this year’s Thanksgiving dinner,” said AFBF Chief Economist Roger Cryan. General inflation has been running 7% to 9% in recent months, while the most recent Consumer Price Index report for food consumed at home reveals a 12% increase over the past year.
“Other contributing factors to the increased cost for the meal include supply chain disruptions and the war in Ukraine,” Cryan said. “The higher retail turkey cost at the grocery store can also be attributed to a slightly smaller flock this year, increased feed costs and lighter processing weights.” Cryan said the supply of whole turkeys available to consumers should be adequate this year, although there may be temporary, regional shortages in some states where avian influenza was detected earlier this year.
“Farmers are working hard to meet growing demands for food – both here in the U.S. and globally – while facing rising prices for fuel, fertilizer and other inputs,” said Cryan.
The shopping list for Farm Bureau’s informal survey includes turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a veggie tray, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and coffee and milk, all in quantities sufficient to serve a family of 10 with plenty for leftovers.
“We should not take our food supply for granted,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Supporting sustainable productive agriculture in the U.S. and globally is imperative. As many of us gather with family and friends for a special meal, it’s a time for giving thanks and doing our part to help those who can’t afford a big holiday feast,” he added. “State and local Farm Bureaus across the country have strong partnerships with local food banks and I’m proud of their collective efforts to help ensure no one goes hungry.”
In recognition of changes in Thanksgiving dinner traditions, the Farm Bureau price survey also includes ham, Russet potatoes and frozen green beans, in an expanded holiday menu. Adding these foods to the classic Thanksgiving menu increased the overall cost by $17.25, to $81.30. This updated basket of foods also increased in price (up 18%) compared to 2021.
This year’s national average cost was calculated using 224 surveys completed with pricing data from all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Farm Bureau volunteer shoppers checked prices in person and online using grocery store apps and websites. They looked for the best possible prices without taking advantage of special promotional coupons or purchase deals.
The AFBF Thanksgiving dinner survey was first conducted in 1986. The informal survey provides a record of comparative holiday meal costs over the years. Farm Bureau’s classic survey menu has remained unchanged since 1986 to allow for consistent price comparisons.
Individual Prices
Regional Averages
AFBF analysis revealed regional differences in the cost of the meal.
The cost for the classic meal was the most affordable in the South – $58.42, followed by the Northeast – $64.02, Midwest – $64.26 and West – $71.37. The expanded meal (classic meal plus ham, green beans and Russet potatoes) was the most affordable in the South – $74.90, followed by the Midwest – $81.53, Northeast – $82.76 and West – $88.55.
Ohio Farm Bureau Young Ag Professionals program is seeking participants for its Discussion Meet, Excellence in Agriculture, and Outstanding Young Farmer contests.
Read MoreThe 2024 Sale of Champions livestock auction concluded the Ohio State Fair. This year’s sale raised $134,500 for the Youth Reserve Program.
Read MoreAgriculture for Good Government PAC has endorsed Justice Joseph Deters, Judge Dan Hawkins and Judge Megan Shanahan for election to the Ohio Supreme Court.
Read MoreCraig Pohlman of Venedocia was recently named to the seven-member Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan Board of Trustees.
Read MoreAfter years of advocacy from Ohio Farm Bureau and its partners, the Ohio Department of Taxation announced today that it will address inaccurate woodland calculations in the Current Agricultural Use Value program.
Read MoreMarlene Eick of Wooster has been named senior director, leadership development for Ohio Farm Bureau.
Read MoreThe 2024 Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Golf Invitational raised over $110,000 for foundation scholarships, grants and programs that help enhance agricultural communities and support careers in agriculture.
Read MoreThe mainly wet weather pattern in early spring caused the flow of water systems within the Western Lake Erie Basin to be above normal, creating what is considered a ‘mildly severe’ algal bloom forecast by NOAA.
Read MoreThe report showcases the impacts being made by Ohio farmers who are taking measures to ensure clean water through voluntary efforts that are being done on a large scale with measurable results.
Read MoreEach session will feature new and innovative solutions, research, and information on the latest technology and strategies to protect farms and rural communities.
Read More