re: Turkey farmers warn that shortages could lead to issues for Thanksgiving

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Government official says not to worry:
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A USDA spokesman, meanwhile, told media this week that an overall turkey shortage was unlikely and that there are turkeys “in abundance” throughout the country.

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I can remember when an official said inflation is transitory and nothing to worry about. I can also remember a news article in July saying the Afghan SIV’s had nothing to worry about with the massive backlog getting them out of the country.

In other words, when officials say “don’t worry”, worry.

It’s time to get me some Tofurky stock!!

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Most turkeys should already be in cold storage ready for transport and distribution.

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And that is part the shortage isn’t it?

Turkeys so upset they quit fricking

From the CBS2 article-

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Robert Kauffman runs Ho-Ka Turkey Farms in Waterman, Illinois. He says the problem isn’t the turkeys. It’s having the people to dress them – take the feathers off and get them ready to cook.

“I’ve been real worried about getting temporary help for the dressing season,” Kauffman said.

He says he raises about 60,000 turkeys a year, most of which are sold in November. He usually brings in about 100 temporary workers. Right now, he has seven.

“I can dress with a skeleton crew but I don’t like to. And I won’t get the numbers I need. If I have a nice full dressing line, we can do maybe 2,500 birds a day. The pace I like to have,” said Kauffman.

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So, one aspect of the problem is a shortage of temporary workers. Temporary workers in the agricultural sector tend to be a migrant population from south of the border. I think I see a solution to the problem.

I have nothing to add, but turkey is mediocre af and the only thing good about it is the allure of the holiday.