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Turkey prices are expected to decline 30 percent this year

The head of a state poultry group is encouraging consumers to stock up on turkey before the avian influenza outbreak impacts the supply chain.

Bill Mattos with the California Poultry Federation says retail turkey prices should be much higher because of reduced supplies this year, but it’s a loss leader for grocery stores during the holidays.

“If you really like turkey and not just at Thanksgiving, buy two or three,” he says. “If you can get a turkey at $0.99 a pound, that is a steel, they probably should be selling for $2 to $3 plus.”

Over the past 30 days, the avian influenza outbreak has impacted more than six million birds, mostly in California.

Mattos tells Brownfield, “I can’t emphasize enough how much we’re trying to keep our growers alert to the seriousness of this disease and what it can mean right now.”

“We have enough product, but if it continues into the winter, there could be some price spikes due to lack of product in different areas.”

The USDA is forecasting turkey production down six percent from last year and 12 percent from five years ago. The agency says reduced consumer demand has also lowered prices with average wholesale prices for whole frozen hens estimated at $0.94 per pound, down $0.46 cents on the year.