Title: Turkey Prices Hold Steady for Thanksgiving Despite Bird Flu Outbreaks The turkey industry has been hit hard by bird flu outbreaks in recent months, leading to increased wholesale prices for groceries and retailers. However, shoppers have not felt the impact of these price shocks as advertised turkey prices remain steady compared with last year’s Thanksgiving celebrations. This is largely due to grocery stores absorbing the increased costs in an effort to attract customers during this crucial holiday season. The bird flu outbreak has resulted in a significant reduction in supply, with over 2 million turkeys being culled this year due to exposure to the virus. Minnesota, which is the top turkey-producing state in the country, experienced six confirmed turkey-related outbreaks in October alone according to USDA data. This has led to tightening supplies and a projected drop in turkey production for the year from 5.1 million pounds in 2024 to 4.8 million pounds this year. Despite these challenges, retailers have managed to keep their prices steady by using turkeys as “loss leaders” – pricing them at or below cost to attract customers and boost sales during Thanksgiving season. This strategy has been successful in maintaining consumer confidence and preventing a mass exodus of shoppers seeking cheaper alternatives elsewhere. The significance of this news event cannot be understated, especially considering the historical context surrounding bird flu outbreaks and their impact on poultry industries worldwide. The potential implications extend beyond just turkey prices; they also affect farmers who rely heavily on producing these birds for income. As such, it is crucial that we continue to monitor developments in this area closely and consider ways to mitigate future risks associated with similar pandemics or disease outbreaks. In conclusion, while the bird flu crisis has caused significant disruptions within the turkey industry, grocery stores’ decision to absorb increased costs demonstrates their commitment to providing affordable options for consumers during Thanksgiving celebrations. This highlights the importance of adaptive pricing strategies and collaboration between retailers, farmers, and government agencies in ensuring food security and maintaining consumer trust amidst challenging circumstances.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.nbcnews.com/data-graphics/turkey-prices-hold-steady-thanksgiving-shoppers-surge-bird-flu-rcna244663)
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