WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) -- Good news for anyone responsible for feeding a crowd this Thanksgiving Thursday.
The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation says the average price to feed a family of 10 a traditional dinner of turkey and dressing along with cranberries, dinner rolls, and pumpkin pie dropped by more than $2 this year to $45.01.
Officials say a recent decline in the price of a 16-pound turkey was the biggest reason for the savings. "In 2017 we found that the average price was $20.96. This year we found that it was down $1.92 to $19.04," said Sarah Hetke, the Director of Communications for the WFBF. Hetke adds that 2017 was a good year for Wisconsin turkey producers, which also factors into that drop.
The 631 turkey farms statewide produced about 3.4 million birds last year. Additionally, neighboring Minnesota is the nation's leading turkey producer, which also helps drive down costs for Wisconsin consumers. Wisconsin's price is also a bargain when compared to the national price tag of $48.90 according to the survey. Hetke says that's because several items like milk, cream, and cranberries can be found close to home as well.
The farmer's share of this year's $45.01 price tag for a family of ten is about $8.78. According to the USDA, farmers receive about 14.8 percent of every food dollar.
Wisconsin’s Thanksgiving Marketbasket survey is an informal, annual review of food price trends in relation to changing farm prices, weather and wholesale and retail food marketing. Wisconsin Farm Bureau members collected price samples of 15 Thanksgiving food items in 27 communities in November.
Farm Bureau volunteer shoppers are asked to look for the best possible prices, without taking advantage of special promotional coupons or purchase deals.
