A recent news release by CoBank noted that while whole turkeys remain the dominant star for a Thanksgiving dinner, consumer trends are showing that beef and pork marketers are making in-roads.
At High Plains Journal, we’ve taken a look at Thanksgiving dinner over the years, noting the costs from several sources.
Writer David Murray has penned several articles about the costs. He noted in 2021 that Ron Kardel, an Iowa turkey farmer and chairman of the National Turkey Federation, said turkey growers had to make some hard decisions beginning back in the spring, when the first wave of lockdowns hit as a result of COVID-19. “We sell turkeys mostly to restaurants and delis,” Kardel said. About half of all turkey sales, in fact, go to restaurants. “They were hit hardest” by the closures, he wrote. For more information, visit https://hpj.com/?s=David+Murray+Thanksgiving.
Also, people may enjoy reading some other articles.
Field Editor Kylene Scott has offered her thoughts about the meaning of Thanksgiving, noting that she is thankful for people in her life who have allowed her family’s cow-calf operation to continue. Her column is available at https://hpj.com/2023/11/22/thanksgiving-reminder/.
Field Editor Lacey Vilhauer has added her perspective about side dishes that can shine at Thanksgiving. She shares that side dishes are what drives her excitement about the holiday. “I’d probably just order multiple sides instead of a main dish. I’m talking about the macaroni and cheese, baked potato, creamed corn, fried okra, baked beans, hush puppies, deviled eggs, fried mushrooms, French fries and, of course, any piece of bread that is set on the table,” she writes.
Her column is found at https://hpj.com/2023/11/20/celebrating-the-side-dishes-this-thanksgiving/
Editor Dave Bergmeier wrote about the importance of family, which also becomes more important as time goes on.
“Throughout the year, many hurdles and challenges may make life difficult, but a network of faith, friends and family was invaluable in keeping our rows straight. Thanksgiving is a time for pause, reflection and celebration,” he wrote. His article can be found https://hpj.com/2023/11/17/thanksgiving-a-time-to-count-your-blessings/.
