(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — As you plan your Thanksgiving Day menu, figure on spending a little more than you did last year.
The American Farm Bureau Federation said the national average for dinner for 10 this year is $53.31, 14% more than last year.
The Illinois average is $58.15.
“Probably one of the main costs is input costs,” Illinois Farm Bureau president Rich Guebert said, referring to the supplies it takes to raise the turkey. “We are seeing higher prices for corn and for other proteins, particularly soybean meal.
“We have seen dramatic disruptions in the U.S. economy and the supply chain, inflationary pressure throughout the economy on goods and services and the difficulty of predicting demand during this pandemic.”
In other words: The extra costs are not exactly trickling down to the family farmer.
Another pressure on food supply, Guebert said, is the increase in the number of people eating at home.
By the way, part of Illinois is indeed turkey country.
“We have turkey production in southeastern Illinois; across from Vincennse, Ind., there is a processing facility for turkeys,” Guebert adds. “Now, we do have a number of family operations throughout Illinois that raise turkeys primarily for the Thanksgiving and Christmas season.”
Related
