LITTLE ROCK — It will cost families about $1 less to prepare the classic Thanksgiving meal this year, due largely to a decline in the average cost of frozen turkey and a gallon of whole milk. According to Arkansas Farm Bureau’s 30th annual survey, it will cost $45.25 for a family of 10, or $4.52 per person, to enjoy the feast. Last year’s average was $46.23.

The statewide average is based on responses from members of the Farm Bureau Women’s Committee and other volunteers who surveyed food prices at 11 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 the fact consumers continue to   enjoy the holiday meal for less than $5 a person, on average, is evidence of the efficiencies of our food production system.

“Food remains abundant and affordable in America,” Veach said. “Despite the fact Arkansas farmers and ranchers had to overcome the effects of flooding in the spring, followed by drought conditions that lingered well into the harvest this fall, they are still able to hold down their cost of production. 

“We are benefiting from lower fuel and transportation costs compared to a year ago and this contributes to more stable food prices. As we do each Thanksgiving, American families will be able to enjoy this meal and share it with those who are not as fortunate. 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 $50.11 for a family of 10.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 drop in price primarily to the ability of farmers and ranchers to adjust to a variety of challenges. 

“This year was no different as farmers coped with international demand issues, production problems, varying input costs and the weather,” Justice said.

“The convergence of all these and other market factors ultimately are reflected in the prices consumers pay for food.This year’s Thanksgiving meal survey certainly bore that out.” 

The average price of a 16-pound young tom turkey this year is $17.40 ($1.09 per pound), compared to $18.08 in 2014. American Farm Bureau reported an average of $23.04 or $1.44 per pound. 

“In response to the dispersal of a significant portion of the national flock this past spring due to Avian Influenza, the price for live turkeys had been averaging higher than a year ago,” Justice explained. “However, adequate inventories of frozen birds before the A.I. outbreak and pre-holiday discounts offered by many food retailers, are the primary reasons for the drop in price this year.”

Another major driver of the survey is the cost of a gallon of whole milk. This year’s average price dropped 20 cents to $4.05. Also contributing to the lower price for the meal was a 36-cent drop in the cost of a 1/2-pint carton of whipping cream and 34-cent drop for three pounds of sweet potatoes. 

Other items included in the meal that saw a decrease in price were a two-count package of frozen pie shells package of frozen green peas and the combined average cost of miscellaneous items included in the meal such as coffee, eggs, flour, and butter, which dropped 30 cents. 

Items that saw price increases include cubed stuffing, a 30-ounce can of pumpkin pie mix, 12-count package of brown and serve rolls, a 16-ounce package of frozen green peas, a pound of fresh carrots, 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. 


Carlos Alatriste, Meat Department manager at Edwards Food Giant in Little Rock, stocks frozen turkey Nov. 11. The average price of a 16-pound young tom turkey this year is $17.40 or $1.09 per pound, a drop of 68 cents from last year.


It will cost consumers almost a dollar less to prepare the traditional Thanksgiving meal this year, according to Arkansas Farm Bureau's annual survey. The average cost of the meal is $45.25 or about $4.50 per person, down from $46.23 in 2014. Lower costs for frozen turkey, a gallon of whole milk, 3 pounds of sweet potatoes and cheaper fuel and transportation costs are factors in the cheaper price.