LITTLE ROCK — It will cost families more to prepare the Thanksgiving meal this year, due largely to an increase in the average cost of frozen turkey and a gallon of whole milk. According to Arkansas Farm Bureau’s 29th annual survey, it will cost $46.23 for a family of 10, or $4.62 per person, to enjoy the feast. Last year’s average was $42.63.

The statewide average is based on responses from members of the Farm Bureau Women’s Committee and other volunteers who surveyed food prices at 12 grocery stores and supermarkets across the state. They were asked to report the “best in-store price” of 12 items included in the meal. They are allowed to take advantage of advertised specials, excluding discount coupons and purchase requirements.

Arkansas Farm Bureau President Randy Veach says though it will cost a bit more to prepare the meal this year, considering families may enjoy it for less than $5 a person is evidence of the efficiencies of our food production system.

“Food remains abundant and affordable in America,” Veach said. “Though the price of some items in the traditional meal are higher this year, American farmers and ranchers continue to utilize the latest research and technology to hold down their cost of production. “Because we have such a bountiful supply, American families will be able to enjoy this meal and share it with others. That is truly reason to give thanks.”

Arkansas food prices continue to remain more affordable than elsewhere. American Farm Bureau conducts a national survey to assess price trends across the country and reported an average of $49.41 to prepare the meal this year.

Though unscientific, the survey is intended to be a snapshot of actual prices across Arkansas and the nation. The survey period was Oct.31-Nov.12. The shopping list has remained unchanged since 1986 to allow consistent price comparisons. 

Travis Justice, chief economist for Arkansas Farm Bureau, attributes the price hike primarily to higher costs of turkey production and increased demand for dairy products.  

“Turkey prices have risen this year as a result of production cutbacks by growers who are facing higher feed and transportation costs,” Justice said.  

He noted that while motorists are benefitting from lower gasoline prices, the cost of diesel used to transport food products from processors to retail outlets has not followed suit.

“Milk and other dairy product prices are higher, again due to feed costs, plus poor weather conditions and a growing global demand for U.S. dairy-based items,” Justice added.

“Other elements of the meal, namely cereal grain-based foods and vegetables, vary slightly from last year, with the exception of sweet potatoes, whose prices have risen due to weather-related production problems and its increasing popularity as a health food.” The average price of a 16-pound young tom turkey this year increased $2.49 to $18.08 ($1.13 per pound). Turkey prices are higher nationwide. American Farm Bureau reported an average of $1.35 per pound. 

Another major driver of the survey is the cost of a gallon of whole milk. After dropping to $4.00 in 2013 the average increased to $4.25 this year. Also contributing to the price hike was a 59-cent increase in the cost of a 1/2-pint carton of whipping cream and 55-cent increase for three pounds of sweet potatoes. 

Other items included in the meal that saw an increase in price were a package of frozen green peas, up seven cents; a pound of carrots, up 19 cents; and the combined average cost of miscellaneous items included in the meal such as coffee, eggs, flour, and butter, which increased 28 cents. 

Items that saw modest price reductions include cubed stuffing, a 30-ounce can of pumpkin pie mix, a two-count package of frozen pie shells, 12-count package of brown and serve rolls, a bunch of celery, and a 12-ounce package of cranberries. 

**Miscellaneous category includes coffee and ingredients necessary to prepare the meal (onions, eggs, sugar, flour, evaporated milk, and butter). This average price is determined by American Farm Bureau and is a consistent figure to be used in the national survey. 

NOTE: The survey is conducted by members of the Arkansas Farm Bureau State Women’s Committee. The women are urged to report the best in-store price, noting advertised specials, but disregarding promotional coupons and purchase requirements. The results are unscientific, but are intended to reflect actual price trends across the state. The survey period was Oct. 31 – Nov. 12. 



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The average cost of a 16-pound Young Tom Turkey increased $2.49, to $18.08 or $1.13 per pound. This is the primary reason for the increase in the overall cost of the meal.



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A gallon of whole milk is annually one of the main drivers of the cost of the meal. After dropping in 2013, the average price jumped 25 cents this year, to $4.25. 



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Another item in the meal that saw a significant jump in price was 3 pounds of sweet potatoes, up 55 cents, from 83 cents per pound to $1.02 per pound.   

Arkansas Farm Bureau is a nonprofit, private advocacy organization of more than 190,000 families throughout the state working to improve farm and rural life.