The higher prices are due to economic factors as well as disease challenges, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Market Intel series, which estimates wholesale turkey prices are up about 40%.

While prices may be higher, the analysis shows there will be enough birds to meet consumer demand and Thanksgiving specials are likely to be offered by retailers.

That’s good news for consumers as well as the poultry industry, as companies involved in the production and processing of turkey provide nearly 424,000 jobs that pay $28 billion in wages to families throughout the country, generate about $138.7 billion in annual economic impact, and about $11.3 billion in taxes, according to Turkey Feeds America, an economic study project that looks at the economic impact of the turkey industry in the United States.

With avian flu still striking the larger turkey growing areas, fresh turkey may be in short supplies in certain areas of the country. Other larger turkey states in the U.S. may move inventory to cover some of these shortages, said Gregory P. Martin, Penn State Extension poultry educator.

Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski / A frozen turkey breast is displayed at Imler's Poultry Outlet Store in Duncansville.

“Pennsylvania has not seen major hits to its industry so far this year, so we should see normal supplies in the stores, unless the stores are being supplied from the Midwest. The best way to ensure a bird for Thanksgiving is to buy a frozen bird now and defrost in time to roast for the big day,” Martin said. “Wholesale prices are on average going to rise about 25 cents from last year meaning higher prices for the consumer.”

Prices are up at Imler’s Poultry of Duncansville, which will distribute 55,000 to 60,000 fresh and frozen turkeys this holiday season throughout Pennsylvania and parts of New York, Ohio, Maryland and West Virginia, said Marshall Detwiler, Imler’s turkey buyer.

“Prices are up from last year for us, probably 35 to 40 percent. I think people will still have their traditional holiday meal even with the cost increase. We are getting orders every day and the amount is pretty close to last year’s numbers,” Detwiler said.

Detwiler said Imler’s is not having any problems with supply so far.

“With that being said, we start ordering our frozen products in February and March. The last-minute people may face some tight inventories,” Detwiler said.

The turkey industry produces more than 5.3 billion pounds of turkey products annually, according to the National Turkey Federation.

Turkey meat production in the first half of 2025 was 2.33 billion pounds, down 9.7% from the same period in 2024. The value of turkey production in 2024 was $3.69 billion, down from $6.57 in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Among the 50 states, Pennsylvania ranks eighth in turkey production with 7.7 million birds while Minnesota leads the way with 32 million birds.

Hidden Hollow Turkeys of Woodbury, a wholesaler, is a relatively new player in holiday turkey production.

“My market does not follow the broad market, we are holding our prices steady this year. I would expect to produce between 9,000 and 10,000 this fall. Last year we did about 5,700,” said owner Nathan Hursh. “Our biggest sellers are the 14- to 16-pound turkeys and can be purchased at Grandview Meats in Altoona, Gearhart Meats in Hollidaysburg, Garman’s Seafood in Woodbury, Village Pantry in Tyrone and Country Smokehouse in Williamsburg.”

The Thanksgiving holiday creates some extra business for local supermarkets.

“We, like others in our industry, are seeing price increases due to continued increased demand and a stretched supply chain among other factors. We remain focused on doing all that we can to help our customers save,” said spokeswoman Ashley Flower of the Giant Co., which includes Giant and Martin’s food stores in the area.

The Giant Co. is offering a program for customers to receive a free turkey.

“Our Choice Rewards free turkey program has returned and is a great way for customers to do so, offering a Grade A Frozen Turkey up to 20 pounds for 400 Choice Points,” Flower said.

Aldi is offering a Thanksgiving feast for pieces lower than last year.

For just $40, shoppers can build a full spread for 10 with the Thanksgiving favorites they love — including the turkey and ingredients for nine sides. For $4 per person, Aldi shoppers can purchase all the items needed to fill their tables, according to a press release. This includes 21 total products and ingredients to dish out a 14-pound turkey, rolls, cranberry sauce, mac and cheese, stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole and pumpkin pie, the release states.

The DelGrosso Family of Companies is again offering a Thanksgiving special.

“The Thanksgiving Meal Kits became popular because it saves people time and money,” said spokeswoman Amy Maerkle. “They don’t have to shop and then prepare the food. This gives them an option to heat up the food and spend more time with family. We average selling anywhere from 150 to 200 meal kits.”

The DG2Go Thanksgiving Meal kit includes turkey, baked ham in pineapple glaze, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, homemade stuffing, gravy, rolls and butter, cranberry sauce and pumpkin roll.

Murf’s famous potato salad and homemade Italian sausage are available separately.

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.