Purdue economist: Turkeys slightly more expensive this year

A Purdue University agricultural economist says Thanksgiving food shoppers will find adequate supplies of turkeys but possibly at slightly higher prices, depending on the type and whether grocers pass increases on to customers.

Corinne Alexander, who tracks food-price trends, said wholesale prices of turkeys are expected to be 8 percent to 10 percent higher than last year.

She said the U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts wholesale prices for Eastern market whole turkeys will be between $1.12 and $1.16 per pound this quarter compared with $1.05 per pound at this time last year.

The higher prices are being driven primarily by higher feed costs following the drought of 2012.

Alexander said many stores will feature turkeys at below cost or offer special prices for frequent shoppers or large birds.