How Much Do Turkey Farmers Really Make? A Deep Dive into Turkey Farmer Salaries

As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us look forward to gathering around the table to enjoy a delicious turkey dinner But while consumers fork over reasonable prices for turkeys at the grocery store, the hardworking farmers who raise these birds often struggle to earn a living wage Just how little do turkey producers take home for their efforts? Let’s peel back the numbers and take a close look at the economics of turkey farming.

The Retail Price of Turkey Doesn’t Reflect What Farmers Get Paid

In 2021, the average wholesale price for a frozen whole turkey was $1.23 per pound. However, out of that price, turkey farmers only received an average of 6 cents per pound sold. The rest went towards processing, transportation, retail markups, and other production expenses.

So even when shoppers pay $15-$20 for a typical 15 lb turkey at the supermarket, the farmer who raised that bird will only bring home about 90 cents per turkey sold. For a medium-sized turkey operation producing around 200,000 birds per year, that translates to just $180,000 in annual turkey sales. Considering the high overhead costs of running a farm, that slim portion of the retail price makes it incredibly tough for turkey producers to earn a profit.

Pitifully Low Wholesale Prices Squeeze Farmers’ Earnings

Wholesale commodity prices for turkeys fluctuate year to year based on supply and demand dynamics. But even in years when wholesale prices rise slightly, it doesn’t necessarily translate into bigger paychecks for turkey farmers.

For example, in 2021 the average wholesale turkey price was up 11% compared to 2020. However, due to higher production costs for fuel, labor, animal feed and other farm expenses, turkey producers didn’t see an equivalent jump in their income. This perfectly demonstrates how turkey farmers get constantly squeezed between low commodity prices and ever-increasing business costs.

The Average Turkey Farmer’s Salary is Shockingly Low

According to national salary data, the average annual income for a turkey farmer in the U.S is just $31,659 per year That puts turkey producers squarely below the federal poverty line for a family of four. Most turkey growers rely heavily on off-farm jobs or spousal income to scrape by.

Sadly, the meager earnings of turkey farmers simply don’t match up with the immense value of their labor and contributions to the food system. Without their expertise and dedication to properly raise flocks of 20,000 birds or more, there would be no turkeys for anyone’s Thanksgiving table.

Unique Industry Structure Limits Turkey Farmers’ Earnings

In the highly consolidated poultry industry, most turkey farmers work under contract to large processors like Butterball or Cargill. The big companies provide the poults, feed and transportation, while contract growers do the hands-on work of raising the flocks in barn facilities they own.

This arrangement puts the processors in the driver’s seat when it comes to setting pay rates. Farmers have little leverage to negotiate better contract terms that would allow them to receive a fairer share of the turkey revenue. With limited options to market and sell birds independently, this quasi-franchise system restricts turkey producers’ earning potential.

Why Are Turkey Farmers Paid So Poorly?

With turkey being both a holiday staple and inexpensive source of protein all year round, you might wonder why the farmers who raise these birds are paid so poorly. There are several key factors at play:

• Oversupply of turkeys keeps prices low
• Processors hold all the power in turkey industry
• Contract system leaves farmers with little independence
• Farm income depends on volatile commodity markets
• Consolidation has diminished competitiveness
• High production costs and debt burden farmers

The lopsided turkey market and systemic lack of bargaining power really stack the deck against turkey producers. A few huge poultry conglomerates thoroughly dominate processing, which distorts pricing across the whole supply chain.

Signs of Progress for Turkey Growers

While the financial situation looks dire for many turkey farmers, there are some tentative signs of change emerging on the horizon. A few highlights:

• New farmer advocacy groups like the National Turkey Federation are forming to lobby for better policies and protections. This could help amplify farmers’ voices.
• Some turkey producers are exploring niche markets like organic, free-range, pasture-raised turkeys that can command much higher prices. But these specialty segments are still relatively tiny.
• A handful of plucky new start-up processors are entering the market, which may eventually spur more competition and options for growers. But these upstarts have struggled to gain traction so far.
• A few big poultry companies like Butterball have announced efforts to lock in pricing through multi-year contracts to insulate farmers from market volatility.

While none of these developments are silver bullets, they at least indicate some cautious momentum toward improving the bleak situation for U.S. turkey farmers.

This Thanksgiving, Consumers Can Support Turkey Farmers

As you gather for Thanksgiving dinner, take a moment to reflect deeply on the hardworking turkey farmer who helped provide the glorious centerpiece of your holiday celebration. While commodity turkey producers may only get a few pennies back for their efforts, there are small but meaningful ways we as consumers can show our gratitude:

• Seek out locally raised, pasture-raised turkeys from your farmer’s market or local butcher. This allows you to directly support independent turkey growers in your community.

• When buying a supermarket turkey, choose certified organic or free-range options, as these labels indicate healthier practices for birds and farmers alike.

• Contact your elected representatives to voice ardent support for policies that restore fairness and autonomy for farmers against the consolidated corporate power in the meat industry.

• Donate to non-profits doing critical advocacy work on behalf of poultry growers, like the National Turkey Federation or Farm Aid.

• If you personally know a turkey farmer in your area, take a moment to thank them for their tireless work to help provide wholesome food for your family’s table!

This Thanksgiving, let’s be thankful not just for the turkey on the table, but for the dedicated farmers who sustain this beloved holiday tradition. As we feast happily on the bounty of their labor, we must also speak up so turkey producers can finally earn their fair share.