Wholesale turkey prices are expected to be higher this Thanksgiving compared to last year, but some New Hampshire turkey farmers said they have been able to keep prices stable.Steve Hurd, a third-generation farmer and owner of Hurd Farm in Hampton, has been running the business since 1993. Thanksgiving is a major part of his income. “Turkeys really only sell for one day, and that’s Thanksgiving,” Hurd said. “It’s a third of my income or more right now.”According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, turkey prices will be up 40% compared to last year because of a rise in bird flu cases across the country. The USDA reported that in September, bird flu cases were up on a monthly basis.”Simple economics would suggest that a reduction in the turkey supply would cause turkey prices to rise,” said Joe Balagtas, a professor at Purdue University.>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <> Subscribe to WMUR’s YouTube channel <<
Wholesale turkey prices are expected to be higher this Thanksgiving compared to last year, but some New Hampshire turkey farmers said they have been able to keep prices stable.
Steve Hurd, a third-generation farmer and owner of Hurd Farm in Hampton, has been running the business since 1993. Thanksgiving is a major part of his income.
“Turkeys really only sell for one day, and that’s Thanksgiving,” Hurd said. “It’s a third of my income or more right now.”
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, turkey prices will be up 40% compared to last year because of a rise in bird flu cases across the country.
The USDA reported that in September, bird flu cases were up on a monthly basis.
“Simple economics would suggest that a reduction in the turkey supply would cause turkey prices to rise,” said Joe Balagtas, a professor at Purdue University.
>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <<
Hurd said his farm hasn’t felt the effects of bird flu and, hopefully, won’t.
“I could lose the entire crop,” Hurd said.
Hurd said he hasn’t had to raise prices. Turkeys direct from the farm typically cost more than at the grocery store, but Hurd said his buyers know exactly where their food is coming from.
“My chick cost, my pullet cost, was up a little bit, but not enough that I felt I needed to raise my price,” he said. “The price of grains was about the same as last year for me. So, I kept the price what it was last year.”
Hurd said his turkeys are almost sold out, but a few are still available, along with other products.