Many fear the turkey shortage will alter Thanksgiving plans

ALEXANDRIA, Louisiana (KALB) – With Thanksgiving at the end of the month and a current shortage of turkeys, many are worried about whether they will be able to carve a turkey on Thanksgiving.

So how much more can you expect to pay when you go to the store? The US Department of Agriculture says turkeys are 23% more expensive this year than in 2021. The price of turkeys has skyrocketed due to inflation and bird flu.

The USDA adds that because of these factors, we can expect to pay more for a smaller turkey this holiday season.

Inflated prices of other Thanksgiving items, such as cranberries and potatoes, are also expected to cost consumers 13% more this year.

Locally, Town and Country Meats said it bought its turkeys early, and aside from a slight price increase, there’s no need to change your holiday routine.

“I’ve seen turkeys jump a dollar a pound,” said store manager Darnell Beauregard. “So $1.99 to $2.99 ​​a pound. We really pre-bought them in September, and we start smoking them in early November or late October, so we’re ahead right now.

But for those who choose to go a different route, Beauregard said many people substitute turkey for ham or breast.

“People come in for a cornbread dressing or a holiday ham,” Beauregard said. “We like to roast pork and pork shoulders, but our briskets are mostly our top sellers. We sell 150 easy in November.

So there’s no need to ruffle your feathers, the turkeys might be a bit smaller, but there are still plenty available.

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