Rescue grass, wheat and oats were emerging. Overall range and pasture conditions were 45% poor and overall crop conditions were 60% fair. Many farmers were finishing up planting thanks to recent rainfall. Some areas saw their first freeze of the season.

Moisture was 60% short, but some widespread rainfall helped the region.

AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries: CENTRAL “With a strong supply and continued global growth in emerging markets, chicken continues to stand out as a less expensive option for an appealing source of protein for your holiday meal,” McElroy said. McElroy said this drop in price is likely the result of a combination of lower consumer demand combined with greater overall availability of chicken.Īdditionally, according to the USDA, the price of Cornish game hens has also gone down – from $2.87 per pound last year to $2.80 this year. For example, spot wholesale prices for boneless, skinless breast meat reached a record high of about $3.50 in May, then dropped precipitously to under $1 per pound this October. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo by McKenzie)Īfter a decade of rapid expansion to meet high demand, the industry ramp-up has been so successful that prices have been dropping. McElroy noted the chicken industry typically benefits during more austere or financially uncertain times because chicken is consistently lower in price than other popular meat proteins.Ĭhicken continues to be a less expensive option as an entree for the holiday table. “The turkey industry and egg industry have been hit harder by avian influenza than the broiler industry,” said Audrey McElroy, Ph.D., professor and head of the Department of Poultry Science Bryan-College Station. It also noted retail and food-service demand was moderate, processing schedules were normal and floor stocks were sufficient to meet consumer demand. 4 Broiler Market News Report from the USDA noted whole broiler/fryer prices are trending steady and supplies are moderate for current needs. Roast chicken may also be an attractive choice for as a holiday entrée, especially if there are fewer guests or if supplemented by an additional meat item. “Wholesale rib-eyes have begun their seasonal price increase that builds to Christmas before falling off,” he said.īoth Griffin and Anderson noted there have been some specials on steaks and roasts now that the weather has turned cooler, which may help consumers to expand their menus if they prefer to serve something besides the traditional turkey. And wholesale rib-eye steaks averaged $10.48 per pound last week compared to $11.49 per pound the same time last year. Rack of lamb was reported at $16.99 per pound compared to $17.20 per pound last year. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo courtesy of Rosenthal Meat Science and Technology Center)Īnderson also said the recent USDA weekly retail report from grocery stores for a host of items showed rib-eye roasts were $9.79 per pound compared to $10.73 per pound last year. “However, all of these have gone through substantial price increases.”Ĭonsumers are already beginning to see some specials on rib-eyes and other meats in time for the holidays. “There should be plenty of hams, prime ribs and steaks for consumers to purchase,” Griffin said. Some consumers may be looking at alternative meat entrees for their holiday celebration, Anderson said.Īs far as alternatives go, beef and pork supplies are actually in much better shape than they were a year ago, said Davey Griffin, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension meat specialist in the Department of Animal Science, Bryan-College Station. “In that case, a turkey may not be a bad deal for the family celebration.” Some holiday meat alternatives

“At a 20-cent-per-pound increase over last year, a 16-pound turkey would be $3.20 higher than last year,” he said. “However, some perspective is useful,” Anderson said. However, a frozen turkey typically requires several days to properly thaw, so consumers need to accommodate the extra time when planning their holiday meal.įrozen hen and tom prices were $0.97 and $0.95 per pound respectively last week compared to $0.88 and $0.89 per pound at this time last year. While the number of fresh turkeys may not be as plentiful this year, there do appear to be a larger number of frozen ones available, he said. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo)ĭavid Anderson, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economist in the Department of Agricultural Economics, Bryan-College Station, said market forces and avian influenza have disrupted the turkey supply chain and driven prices upward. This year, frozen turkeys are expected to be more plentiful than fresh, but it takes several days for them to thaw properly.

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