Looks like you may be getting a price break on your Thanksgiving bird this year, if you purchase early.
AgriLife Extension economist and professor in the Texas A&M Department of Agricultural Economics, Bryan-College Station, Dr. David Anderson, said prices on whole birds typical for table centerpieces during the holidays have been below the five-year average. The wholesale price for 8-16-pound hens was 99 cents per pound the week of Oct. 19 compared to $1.12 per pound last year and the five-year average of $1.22 per pound.
He said, “Prices are good for consumers, but they’re bad for producers” He said, “Last year started off strong for producers, but prices bottomed out after Thanksgiving and they haven’t recovered.”
Anderson said dismal prices for producers who continue to deal with higher input and labor costs contributed to a drop in production.
