Louisiana residents have a reason to be more thankful for their Thanksgiving meals this year.
The 2012 cost of Thanksgiving will be slightly more expensive for Louisianians compared to last year.
This year’s cost will average about $44.35 for 10 people to eat, which is 13.2 percent more expensive than last year’s average of $39.19, according to the LSU AgCenter.
The AgCenter’s average was determined through a survey based on an American Farm Bureau Federation shopping list that includes turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a relish tray of carrots and celery, pumpkin pie with whipped cream and beverages of coffee and milk.
AgCenter Family Economist Jeanette Tucker said turkey will be the biggest contributor to the cost this year, increasing about 29 cents per pound as compared to last year.
There are three factors that may have contributed to the increase in turkey prices, said Kurt Guidry, AgCenter agricultural economist.
A 2012 drought in the Midwest drove up the price of corn and grain, which is “certainly reflected in the price for turkey,” Guidry said.
He also attributed the increase to fuel cost, which rose throughout 2012.
“Getting the products from the farm to the consumer factors in cost,” Guidry said.
And finally, he said turkey production was basically unchanged while per capita turkey consumption is expected to increase.
The increase in demand along with a stagnant supply is sure to cause prices to rise, Guidry said.
Prices of other items such as milk and sweet potatoes also increased in Louisiana, though the increase was only marginal.
On the other hand, some items have decreased in price.
Fresh cranberries, rolls, green peas, whipping cream and pie shells all decreased sightly.
Though Louisiana Thanksgiving dinner prices have increased, they are still below the national average of $49.48, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.
And Louisiana’s average is still lower than 2011’s average of $49.20.
“When you look at 2012, we weren’t impacted as much in terms of drought,” Guidry said. “Production has been more normal here. So our regional prices are different from the national average.”
To save money this Thanksgiving, the AgCenter suggests using coupons, shopping alone and not before a meal and taking advantage of in-store specials.
‘Getting the products from the farm to the consumer factors in cost.’
