Fewer Turkeys Being Raised in 2021

The USDA is projecting the number of turkeys raised in the U.S. this year at 214 million head, which would be down 4% from the 2020 total of 224 million head.

Minnesota has the largest inventory at 40.5 million turkeys, up 1%, the only major production state expected to see an increase. Second place North Carolina is pegged at 29 million head, 3% less than last year. Six states account for 69% of production. Outside of the major production states, the USDA has the turkey population at 23.1 million head, 4% under a year ago. The numbers are based on a census of operations and includes data from the monthly turkey hatchery report.

Minnesota: Largest: 40.5 million head, up 1% from 2020

North Carolina: 2^nd largest: 29 million head, down 3% from 2020

Arkansas: 3^rd largest: 27 million head, down 13% from 2020

Indiana: 4^th largest: 19.8 million head, down 1% from 2020

Missouri: 5^th largest: 16.5 million head, down 3% from 2020

Virginia: 6^th largest: 16.0 million head, down 2% from 2020

To offset reduced production, USDA forecasts higher prices for the year. Prices in 2020 averaged just over $1.10/lb. and are now approximately $1.26/lb. for whole turkeys at retail.

EDITOR’S TAKE:

Better purchase that holiday turkey now and put it in the freezer! There appears to be good demand for turkey and turkey related products as witnessed from the price increase. Unfortunately, production is decreasing.  The income for turkey producers is likely to remain the same or increase slightly as a result.  However, they will also be concerned about the escalating cost of production going forward.  That's where you can be especially helpful since you, and only you as a CAD member, can offer AgPack that will help farmers and ranchers offset some of the cost increases they may be facing.  Now is a great time to gobble up this opportunity.