Turkeys are a Loss in Sales for Local Grocers

Some Iowans are buying frozen turkeys now just to have them in the freezer and be prepared for the big Thanksgiving meal later this month. While some reports show grocery prices are up 13% this fall compared to last year, Morgan Pothoven at the Iowa Turkey Federation says many stores are selling turkeys as a loss-leader.

Pothoven says turkey prices might be up slightly in Iowa compared to a year ago, but she says it’s nothing substantial.

There have been significant challenges to some poultry producers in Iowa this year.

Iowa has about 130 turkey farms statewide, with the majority comprised of second- and third-generation turkey farmers. The state ranks seventh in U. S. turkey production, with approximately 12 million raised each year.