Massachusetts Thanksgiving Turkey Cost Unclear But Rising Nationally

Let's talk turkey for a moment about how quickly the seasons are changing and how rapidly the holidays are approaching. Can you believe Thanksgiving is next month? Wasn't it just the Fourth of July?

My family has dwindled significantly over the years; however, Thanksgiving is still a time for family gatherings. I remember Thanksgiving tables set for anyone who had no place to go for the holiday. Everyone was welcome at my mother's table.

My wife and I carried on the tradition for decades until a shrinking pool of relatives and a move to a much smaller home changed the dynamics of it all. Time is surely a thief. Now, my son and daughter-in-law host a small gathering, and we are proud and happy to attend.

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It is about this time of year when Thanksgiving hosts begin planning who will attend the holiday feast, how much food is needed, and whose green bean casserole gets a prominent placement on the dinner table.

Knowing the number of guests to expect helps to determine the size of the turkey to order for the big day. Of course, it has to be big enough for leftovers.

While turkey prices have fluctuated in recent years due to illness and resulting shortages, it's too soon to say how much a bird will cost this Thanksgiving.

Massachusetts turkey farmers say prices are "not yet set." However, Alabama-based RFD-TV.com reported, "Turkey supplies for the 2025 holiday season are projected to be lower, setting the stage for firmer prices heading into Thanksgiving."

The site reported in late September, "Wholesale fresh turkey prices are already trending higher."

"Adding to supply pressure is Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)," according to RFD-TV. "More than 195,000 turkeys have been lost to HPAI outbreaks since August."

Many of the turkeys sold in Massachusetts are locally raised and protected from disease. Mass.gov suggests you "buy from a Massachusetts turkey grower and deal directly with the person who raises your turkeys and guarantees their freshness."