UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) — The U.S. turkey population has reached its lowest level in nearly four decades as Thanksgiving approaches.
The American Farm Bureau Federation reports an estimated 195 million birds this year, attributing the decline to multiple outbreaks of avian diseases.
This lower supply is expected to lead to higher prices for shoppers.
The USDA forecasts a national average wholesale price that is 40% higher than last year.
Despite the tighter supply, industry experts do not anticipate any major shortage of turkeys this holiday season.