Thanksgiving 2025: Celebrating America’s Food and Turkey Production
It’s Thanksgiving Day and Thanksgiving week across the United States, especially in agricultural communities, a time to reflect on the blessings of the season. Americans are grateful for one of the safest, most reliable, and most affordable supplies of food and fiber in the world, right here at home.
A Food-Centered Holiday and Agricultural Awareness
Thanksgiving offers an opportunity for many Americans—who may not regularly think about agriculture—to learn where their food comes from. Farming is a challenging industry, with tight profit margins and rising costs, particularly in labor, which impacts many agricultural products featured during the holiday.
Despite these challenges, this year marks another decline in the estimated cost of a Thanksgiving dinner, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.
The Turkey: Centerpiece of Thanksgiving
Of course, the turkey remains the centerpiece of the celebration. Turkeys are raised in multiple states, but the top three producers are:
- Minnesota: 17% of U.S. turkey production
- North Carolina: 13%
- Arkansas: 12%
Approximately 46 million turkeys are consumed at Thanksgiving. If this year follows the trend, about 22% of all turkeys produced in the U.S. will be enjoyed at holiday tables nationwide.
A Holiday Message
On behalf of the entire Southeast AgNet team, we wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving, celebrating not only the meal but also the hardworking farmers and ranchers who make it possible.
Audio Reporting by Tyron Spearman for Southeast AgNet.