Bird flu drives MN turkey losses, prices higher
A Chicago Tribune/Pioneer Press report says Minnesota has accounted for over a third of recent U.S. bird‑flu turkey cases, with more than 716,000 commercial turkeys affected since August and over 1 million since the start of 2025, contributing to higher wholesale and fresh‑bird prices ahead of Thanksgiving. Experts note national turkey production is down nearly 10% year over year, labor costs are up, and fresh birds are most affected while frozen supplies are less impacted; officials expect the fall surge to ease but warn spring migration could renew risks and breeder‑hen losses may tighten supply into 2026.
📌 Key Facts
- Since August, ~2 million U.S. turkeys have been affected by H5N1; Minnesota’s share exceeds 716,000 (over 1,000,000 year‑to‑date).
- Minnesota led U.S. turkey production in 2024 with 32 million birds; it supplies other states and influences Upper Midwest pricing.
- Analysts report turkey production is down ~10% from last year; wholesale/fresh prices are rising while frozen birds are less affected.