The U.S. turkey market has shown notable fluctuations recently, as evidenced by the latest Weekly National Turkey Report published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service. This report, which covers the period from September 14 to 18, 2026, provides essential data spanning whole-bird prices, retail activity, and market trends that can influence both producers and consumers alike.
Current Turkey Pricing Trends
In the fresh conventional category, the pricing for whole young hen basted turkeys ranging from 8 to 16 pounds was reported between 183.00 to 187.00 cents per pound. The weighted average for this segment stood at 184.11 cents, indicating a minor shift of 0.72 cents but with no recorded trading volume for this line. In contrast, frozen whole birds of similar size are priced lower, with a weighted average of 179.53 cents per pound and an offer range between 178.00 to 183.00 cents.
Young tom basted turkeys in the 16 to 24-pound category saw a weighted average of 183.67 cents per pound with a slight drop of 1.83 cents. Notably, trading activities for these frozen products were recorded at 75,000 and 60,000 pounds respectively, with comparable previous week averages of 180.00 and 185.50 cents. Such pricing insights can be pivotal for retailers and suppliers looking to optimize their inventory and sales strategies.
Fresh and Processed Turkey Parts Overview
Diving into more specific parts, boneless and skinless tom breasts were priced between 280.00 to 308.00 cents per pound, averaging 304.28 cents with a slight rise of 9.83 cents. Conversely, tom drumsticks are listed at 75.00 cents per pound, showing a decline. The popularity of mechanically separated turkey products reflects a diverse consumer interest as they were priced at 20.00 to 25.00 cents per pound, showcasing their accessibility to the market.
For retailers, the grocery feature activity report reveals that feature activity has dipped by 2.4%, with the Activity Index falling by an impressive 36.6% for the assessed week. The current Activity Index stands at 39,423, captured across approximately 25,521 retail outlets. In comparison, the previous week’s Activity Index was significantly higher at 62,185, illustrating the anticipated seasonal effects that could impact turkey sales ahead of holidays.
Advertising Insights and Market Dynamics
Interestingly, the report highlights that whole birds were not showcased in any advertisements this week, while ground and deli products remained the focus of promotional efforts. This absence in advertising could indicate a strategic shift, as many retailers choose to promote processed items over whole birds, catering to evolving consumer preferences for convenience and variety.
Retail prices indicate a diversity in offerings as marinated regular breast tenders were advertised at 8.01 cents per pound across multiple stores. On the other hand, ground turkey, particularly in one-to-two pound packs, cemented its place as a featured item, aligning with current dietary trends among health-conscious consumers. Such advertising strategies are crucial for retailers aiming to capture market share during peak selling periods.
In conclusion, the recent USDA report offers valuable insights into turkey pricing and retail activity, showcasing the complexities of market dynamics. Understanding these trends can empower stakeholders in the turkey industry—whether they are retailers, producers, or consumers—to make informed decisions that align with market behavior and consumer demands.