Arkansas turkey production numbers better than U.S. average

by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

Avian influenza had a significant impact on U.S. turkey production in 2022 and it led to higher prices for Thanksgiving meals. Production is up nationwide, and in Arkansas, turkey production is higher than the national average.

Arkansas is third in national rankings of turkey production, according to the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Turkeys Raised report. Arkansas turkey production is up 6% to 27.5 million turkeys. The largest turkey-producing state is Minnesota with 39 million turkeys, up 5% from the previous year. North Carolina has produced 29 million turkeys this year, up 4% from a year ago.

Enough turkey has been produced with the rebound from bird flu last year that exports have increased in 2023 and are projected to continue that trend in 2024 based on lower prices for U.S.-grown turkey, notes the latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates. The net impact to consumers should be lower turkey prices this fall and winter.

Arkansas turkey production numbers better than U.S. average

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

As we gather around our tables this Thanksgiving, we encourage Arkansans to take a moment to acknowledge the unsung heroes of this holiday season—our farmers.

Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude for the blessings in our lives, and the hardworking men and women who toil in the fields, day in and day out, deserve a special place in our hearts this season. Arkansas farmers are the ones responsible for growing the crops and raising the livestock that grace many of our tables.

In fact, Arkansas ranks 3rd in the nation in turkeys raised. But that’s not the only popular Thanksgiving dish that may have started its journey on an Arkansas farm.

Arkansas is the 4th largest producer of sweet potatoes and our state ranks 6th in the nation in the acreage of pecans.

In the last year, Arkansas farmers harvested more than 695,000 acres of corn.

Arkansas currently ranks 11th in the nation in soybean production. Soybean oil is used to make hundreds of foods, including mayonnaise, peanut butter, and ranch dressing.

From casseroles to rice pudding, another Arkansas crop makes its way to the Thanksgiving table every year. Arkansas ranks first among rice-producing states, accounting for more than 50 percent of U.S. rice production.

Agriculture is Arkansas’s largest industry, adding around $16 billion to our state’s economy every year. There are 49,346 farms statewide and 97 percent of Arkansas’ farms are family-owned.

So, as you savor each bite of your Thanksgiving meal, remember to give thanks to the individuals who make this feast possible. Let's make this holiday a true celebration of gratitude, not only for the food on our plates but for the hands that nurture the land.

You can help show your appreciation to our Arkansas farmers and food service workers by looking for the “Arkansas Grown” label at your local supermarket.

Gasoline prices fall before Thanksgiving; crude oil prices remain stable

by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

According to the AAA, Arkansas motorists are paying the fourth-lowest average price for gasoline amid flat crude oil prices ahead of a long holiday weekend.

In Arkansas, the average price is $3.20 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, which is 7 cents less compared to last week and 15 cents more than this time last year. Nationwide, motorists are paying an average of $3.72 per gallon of regular unleaded, which is 8 cents less than last week and 31 cents more than this time last year.

The Arkansas average has reached a two-month low the week before 48.7 million Americans are expected to drive at least 50 miles for leisure this Thanksgiving. Prices have been trending down, and the decline can be attributed to the global cost of crude oil, the key ingredient of gasoline. The price of crude oil has flattened to a range of about $85 to $92 per barrel for several weeks.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/11/gasoline-prices-fall-before-thanksgiving-crude-oil-prices-remain-stable/

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to increase across the state, the Arkansas Department of Health reminds Arkansans that the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving is to celebrate at home with the people who live with you.

While the number of people around your table may be smaller this year, we want to take a moment to express our thanks for Arkansans who make it possible for what is on the table.

Our grocery store employees have worked tirelessly to keep the doors open. Our food processors, truckers, and farmers also deserve our utmost appreciation for keeping the shelves stocked. Arkansans made not only your meal but countless meals across the country possible.

Arkansas is forecast to rank 2nd in the nation in the number of turkeys raised, accounting for 14% of all turkeys raised in the United States.

The Arkansas turkey industry creates and supports close to 20,000 jobs in Arkansas.

Arkansas is the 5th largest producer of sweet potatoes. And last year, Arkansas farmers harvested more than 740,000 acres of corn.

Although few go shopping for actual soybeans for Thanksgiving, there is an excellent chance the soybean plays a significant part in your feast. This year Arkansas ranked as 11th in the nation in soybean production. Soybean oil is used in cooking and frying foods. Salad dressings, margarine, and mayonnaises are made with soybean oil.

Arkansas farmers may have contributed to your dessert menu as well, especially when it comes to the pies. We are one of 15 states to grow pecans.

You can help show your appreciation to our Arkansas farmers and food service workers by looking for the “Arkansas Grown” label at your local supermarket.

From our house to yours, we wish you a very happy and safe Thanksgiving.