Supply chain issues are affecting holiday preparations, including the Thanksgiving turkey.Nationwide predictions show there will be enough turkeys this year, but prices may be higher than in years past. Predicted increases would be due to packaging and processing costs. Coombs Farm in Kingston said they have fewer turkeys this year than usual, but prices will not climb for customers. “We haven’t raised our price,” owner Philip Coombs said. “I’ve had customers come to us and say we’re cheaper than the grocery store for a pasture-raised bird.”The Coombs said it will also be difficult for customers to find bigger birds this year.”It is harder when you do not have much time to let them outside, get as much weight on them,” owner Karen Coombs said.The Coombs said the hatchery they get chicks from was severely impacted by a deep freeze earlier this year in Texas. They received a third of the birds they were hoping for, and got them a few weeks later than normal. These turkeys have less time to grow.The Coombs said other local farmers are experiencing a similar phenomenon.”We would love to bring in more customers and share what we’re growing, but we’re just kind of limited to make sure we’re serving our original customers first,” Karen said.Farmers said consumers can expect next year to follow this trend. Coombs said she hopes next year is a different story.
Supply chain issues are affecting holiday preparations, including the Thanksgiving turkey.
Nationwide predictions show there will be enough turkeys this year, but prices may be higher than in years past. Predicted increases would be due to packaging and processing costs.
Coombs Farm in Kingston said they have fewer turkeys this year than usual, but prices will not climb for customers.
“We haven’t raised our price,” owner Philip Coombs said. “I’ve had customers come to us and say we’re cheaper than the grocery store for a pasture-raised bird.”
The Coombs said it will also be difficult for customers to find bigger birds this year.
“It is harder when you do not have much time to let them outside, get as much weight on them,” owner Karen Coombs said.
The Coombs said the hatchery they get chicks from was severely impacted by a deep freeze earlier this year in Texas. They received a third of the birds they were hoping for, and got them a few weeks later than normal. These turkeys have less time to grow.
The Coombs said other local farmers are experiencing a similar phenomenon.
“We would love to bring in more customers and share what we’re growing, but we’re just kind of limited to make sure we’re serving our original customers first,” Karen said.
Farmers said consumers can expect next year to follow this trend. Coombs said she hopes next year is a different story.