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published on November 20, 2017 - 11:44 AM
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It’ll be a more cost-effective Thanksgiving for Americans planning their feast this year, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 32nd annual price survey.

The average cost of this year’s feast for 10 is $49.12, a 75-cent decrease from last year and the lowest cost in five years.

The “big-ticket item” — a 16-pound turkey — came in at a total of $22.38 this year. That’s about $1.40 per pound, down 2 cents from last year. The decrease in turkey costs is partly attributed to a larger inventory currently in cold storage.

“For the second consecutive year, the overall cost of Thanksgiving dinner has declined,” AFBF Director of Market Intelligence Dr. John Newton said. “The cost of the dinner is the lowest since 2013 and second-lowest since 2011. Even as America’s family farmers and ranchers continue to face economic challenges, they remain committed to providing a safe, abundant and affordable food supply for consumers at Thanksgiving and throughout the year.”

The shopping list for the farm bureau’s informational survey includes turkey, bread stuffing, sweet potatoes, buttered rolls, peas, cranberries, a veggie tray, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, coffee and milk.

The largest decreases were seen in milk, rolls, pie-shells, sweet potatoes, peas and miscellaneous items including butter, evaporated milk, onions, eggs, sugar and flour.

Items that increased modestly include whipping cream, cubed bread stuffing, pumpkin pie mix, fresh cranberries and a veggie tray.

Fresno County farmers and ranchers produce many of the food items that appear on Thanksgiving dinner tables around the nation.

“The San Joaquin Valley grows a cornucopia array of fruits, vegetables, nuts, meats, milk and fiber products that take center stage this time of year,” said FCFB CEO Ryan Jacobsen. “This region should take tremendous pride in what we do to feed our nation.”


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