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Turkey markets remain in flux with ongoing HPAI outbreaks

Processors are preparing for the costly impact of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the supply chain.

Michigan Turkey Producers CEO Brian Boerigter tells Brownfield there have been wild fluctuations in the turkey market over the past 18 months.

“January of last year, the markets really dropped off way from where they were, I think for us it was about a $45 million change in revenue from where we were to where we’re projected to be for fiscal year ’24,” he shares. “We’re very fortunate that we haven’t had any HPAI cases in Michigan.”

There have been nearly 20 confirmed cases of the disease on turkey farms since the beginning of October.

Boerigter says he thinks the overall economy is keeping prices lower and that loss of birds hasn’t been reflected yet.

“All the price increases that have been passed through, I think that’s just kind of slowed some of that consumer demand and we haven’t really seen that pickup yet,” he says.  “I think what happens with the HPAI situation over the next probably two months here will be telling.”

He says the grower-owned cooperative has added a full-time veterinarian to strengthen biosecurity protocols and bird health.

Michigan is the 10th largest turkey-producing state in the U.S. by weight.