A poultry farm west of Detroit reported stable operations during the recent Thanksgiving season, even as many turkey producers across the United States faced major difficulties. Old Brick Farm, managed by Larry Doll, avoided outbreaks of bird flu and avian metapneumovirus. These diseases sharply reduced national turkey numbers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture said the turkey population fell to a 40-year low after more than two million birds died in the past three months. This shortage caused hatcheries to limit supply and delay chick orders until July. Holiday food costs also increased. Datasembly estimated that the price of 11 common Thanksgiving foods reached $58.81 on November 17, a 4.1 percent rise from last year. Other organizations reported different food prices because stores used varying promotions and brand strategies.

Industry specialists said several factors raised production pressures. Wholesale turkey prices rose sharply, with frozen hens averaging $1.77 per pound, an 81 percent increase from last year. Experts linked this rise to avian diseases, higher beef prices, and shifts in consumer demand. They added that tariffs on imported steel and aluminum raised the cost of canned goods, including cranberry products. Weather conditions also affected the market. Drought in Massachusetts reduced cranberry yields by 9 percent, while dry weather in Illinois improved pumpkin quality and kept canned pumpkin prices lower. Despite these challenges, grocery chains released strong promotions to attract shoppers and stay competitive during the holiday season.