AG Today

Ag Today November 16, 2017

Price of Thanksgiving dinner falls to the lowest since 2013

, USA TODAYPublished 1:00 a.m. ET Nov. 16, 2017 | Updated 3:25 p.m. ET Nov. 16, 2017

Diners can give thanks that the price of this year’s Thanksgiving Day meal has gone down.

The average cost of this year’s feast for 10 is $49.12, a 75-cent decrease compared with last year’s average of $49.87, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 32nd annual price survey.

The turkey centerpiece decreased by 2 cents per pound. That means a 16-pound turkey that feeds 10 people with plenty of leftovers will set you back $22.38 — a 36-cent-per-pound savings compared with last year.

In a statement, John Newton, the American Farm Bureau Federation’s director of market intelligence, said the lower retail turkey prices are a result of increased production and inventories of turkeys.

“Even as America’s family farmers and ranchers continue to face economic challenges, they remain committed to providing a safe, abundant and affordable food supply for consumers at Thanksgiving and throughout the year,” Newton said.

The Farm Bureau’s informal survey tracks a shopping list of 12 Thanksgiving Day stables, including stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls, green peas, cranberries, a veggie tray, pumpkin pie mix and pie shells, whipped cream, milk and miscellaneous items.

Read more