Ag in the News: Less Dinner for your Thanksgiving Dollar?

November 30, 2024

Each year the American Farm Bureau Federation releases how much it costs for 10 people to eat at Thanksgiving. This year that figure is $58.08 which is $3.09 less than it was in 2023, but close to $30 more than in 1986. 

Before COVID

Due to inflation, increased production costs, and other economic factors the price of Thanksgiving has risen each year. When the Farm Bureau first released data in 1986, the holiday meal cost was $28.74. That increased each year to $38.10 in 2006 and leveled out to around $48-$50 before COVID. 

Peak   

Following COVID, prices rose and the cost of Thanksgiving went over $50 in 2021 and peaked in 2022 at $64.05. The price stayed high in 2023 coming in at $61.17. This total  price was driven by a 16 lb. turkey costing $27.35 and 3lbs of sweet potatoes costing $3.97. 

2024 Prices   

The price in 2024 is $58.08 which is $5.97 less than the peak price in 2021. This year a turkey costs $1.68 less and is $25.67. Sweet potatoes also dropped in price to $2.93 which is $1.04 less than in 2023. Despite an overall price decrease, several items went up in price since 2023. A dozen rolls cost $3.84 in 2023 but went up to $4.16 in 2024. Cubed stuffing went up by 31 cents since 2023 and now costs $4.08  for 14 ounces. 

Disclaimer   

The numbers released by the Farm Bureau are an average. Some products may be more or less than the numbers given depending on brand and location. However, they provide an indicator of where the economy is and what people pay to put a holiday meal on the table. 

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And Another Thing 05 Thanksgiving Costs

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