LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Because of concern over large gatherings, a recent American Farm Bureau Federation survey shows consumers will spend less on the classic Thanksgiving dinner of about 10 people by nearly 4% this year. At $46.90, or less than $5 per person, it’s the lowest average cost for a Thanksgiving dinner since 2010.
At the same time, the survey found turkey costs dipped by about 7% to $19.39 for a 16-pound whole bird.
Ernie Birchmeier, manager of the Center for Commodity, Farm, and Industry Relations for Michigan Farm Bureau, says he does believe there will be smaller gatherings in light of COVID-19.
Part of the reason is the November 15 emergency order from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, which limited gatherings to two households at any one time.
“The important thing is there is plenty of food out there,” Birchmeier said. “It may come in smaller portions, depending on the family size. When folks are out shopping, they are going to have to consider that, whether it’s buying a smaller turkey, a smaller ham, or a smaller amount of potatoes or stuffing or cranberries.”
With COVID-19 shifting away much of the business for turkey farmers, Jeff Smith, co-owner of Smith’s Turkey Farms in Allegan County, is asking consumers for help. Smith says the majority of their Michigan turkeys usually go to food service vendors and restaurants, but because of the pandemic that business will be way off, so he’s urging Michigan families to purchase a turkey for their Thanksgiving dinner this year to help.
The trade group Michigan Allied Poultry Industries says the state produces 5.3 million birds each year.
