A shortage of poultry industry workers has prompted some processors to say there will likely be a shortage of turkeys this holiday season.
At Rocky's Quality Meats, a 45-year-old butcher shop in San Rafael, owner Roy Cecchini said he began ordering his turkeys months ago, not wanting his competitors to gobble them up.
"Seems like now you have to order your product earlier and earlier, and hopefully get a delivery," Cecchini told KCBS Radio. "I ordered the turkeys for us, for Rocky's Quality Meats, in April. I did order more than I did last year, and last year I ordered more than we normally have in the past."
Due to the shortage of poultry workers and the closure of some processing plants, the Thanksgiving staple could be in short supply, according to several published reports. That’s especially true for smaller birds, which were very popular last year as holiday gatherings were leaner due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, the demand has returned for the big birds – 20-to-30-pounders – and producers this year said they will ship fewer of that variety.
Cecchini said he believes there will definitely be a shortage on frozen turkeys.
"There have been shortages on everything this last 6-8 months, for sure," he said.
Cecchini ordered his turkeys fresh from North Bay-based Willie Bird's, which is owned by Diestel Family Ranch. Turkey prices are up about 10%, with a 20-pound Willie Bird running $80.
Still, the turkeys are in high demand.
"People compare to the past, they are not squawking about price.
They don't even care what the price is they just want the product," he claimed.
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