Here we are, one day before Thanksgiving, the most important holiday between Halloween and Christmahanakwanzika, and it’s time to thaw the turkey. Go pick out your stuffing recipe, and meet me back here to learn about the $4.5 billion turkey industry.
Turkey was served at the first Thanksgiving and eventually became an American icon. By the 1950s an aggressive marketing campaign by the industry made turkey a year-round product. Though we consume less turkey than other meats, we do eat 17.6 lbs of turkey a year. But of course, it is usually only once or twice a year that we eat the entire thing.
The big fat bird we’ll eat on Thursday is not capable of flight, but its wild cousins can for short distances. The turkey is named after the country of Turkey, but only because stupid Europeans mistakenly thought they were a type of fowl from Turkey when they showed up to the States.
Turkey farming is a business just like any other. As a result of the development of the industry, farming has become more efficient. For one matter, the average size of a turkey went from 20 lbs in 1986 to 28 lbs in 2006.
There are three big players in the turkey farming business: Butterball, Jennie-O, and Cargill. These companies are located in Minnesota and North Carolina, and together produce almost 4 billion pounds of turkey!
A wonderful success of the industry is the growth in exports. Back in 1990 only 1.2% of production was exported, today it’s 10%. Most goes to Mexico.
There’s a secret turkey you’ve probably never heard of too. Well, I certainly haven’t. Heritage Turkeys are supposedly tastier, but due to rarity can cost as much as $200.
All in all I think turkey is a great product. Good for you, American made, and good contributor to the economy. Enjoy your turkey tomorrow. If you want to read more about turkey or the business of turkey, check out the links in the post and this slideshow, which includes links to other resources.
 By The Weakonomist |
The Weakonomist is the founder of Weakonomics. Clicking the picture of the puppy will tell you more about him. If you like what you're reading consider subscribing to the blog, following him on Twitter, and checking out the related posts below. Please consider a donation if you really enjoy Weakonomics. Also keep in mind that nothing I say can be construed as financial advice. |
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