In the middle of constant bad news about food prices, there is one bright spot–relatively cheap prices on whole turkey.
How are we enjoying this bounty? Well, grocery stores are determined to keep these prices low for a couple of reasons. They are hoping to lure in customer who might also buy more expensive trimmings and other groceries to round out their meal. The lower turkey prices will bring people in to the store.
Many grocery stores were able to lock in their prices on turkeys before the drought caused grain and corn prices to go through the roof. So, this year’s turkey prices are not affected by the scarcity of turkey feed. The sky-high corn prices means that it now takes about twice as much money to produce a pound of turkey than it has in the past.
For stores that did not lock in prices, the turkey will cost more than it does at the competition. Fresh turkeys from local farms will probably also cost more.
Make no mistake. Turkey prices have increased since two years ago. That is why I stated that we can enjoy relatively cheap prices. The word relatively is important. Still, it could be much worse, and it will be. The increase in grain price that makes it more expensive to feed a turkey will also influence farmers to reduce their flocks, further driving up prices.
If you have the luxury of a separate freezer, I suggest that you stock up while the turkey prices are good. This way you can provide a relatively cheap protein to your family during the course of the next few months. Frozen turkey will remain edible practically forever, as long as it stays frozen. However, you can lose quality of taste and texture after about a year.