Happy Thanksgiving!

As the last acres of corn and soybeans are harvested from fields in the Midwest, farmers shut down their combines and prepare for a well-earned rest. Across thousands of acres, the echo tractors, combines, grain carts and dryers fall silent. Then you can almost hear the collective sigh of relief as the Heartland's quiet heroes close the machine shed doors on another growing season. The end of the harvest season is not merely about the end of hard work in the fields but also marks the beginning of a much-awaited celebration - Thanksgiving. 

Brimming with the bounty of the land, these farmers' tables are a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and dedication. It's not just about the turkey, dressing, casserole, mashed potatoes, or pumpkin pie - the absolute satisfaction comes from knowing each dish represents hours of work, planning, and hope. Much like the harvest itself, the Thanksgiving spread is a mirror to the farmer - resilient, generous, and caring.

The Thanksgiving Spirit In The Heartland 

In many ways, Thanksgiving in the Heartland is much more than a holiday—it’s intrinsic to the region's fabric. It is a time to connect, to reflect, and to give thanks, but also to relax and enjoy the company of family and friends. After months of dedicated work beneath the blazing sun, whipping wind and crisp nights, farmers leave behind the dust of the fields to gather around the table. 

Whether it's reminiscing, sharing hopes for the next planting season, or simply reveling in the joy of the present moment, Thanksgiving offers a much-needed pause to those who have paved the way for our nation's food supply. After all, as those familiar with the farming lifestyle would tell you, it’s not just about farming the land—it’s about cultivating bonds and nourishing relationships, too.

Tracking the Thanksgiving meal

Gathering around the table for a Thanksgiving dinner won’t take as much of a toll on your pocketbook this year compared to 2022, but the meal still reflects historically high costs. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 38th annual survey provides a snapshot of the average cost of this year’s classic holiday feast for 10, which is $61.17 or less than $6.20 per person.

This is a 4.5% decrease from last year’s record-high average of $64.05, but a Thanksgiving meal is still 25% higher than it was in 2019, highlighting the impact of high supply costs and inflation on food prices before the pandemic.

The centerpiece on most Thanksgiving tables – the turkey – helped bring down the overall dinner cost. The average price for a 16-pound turkey is $27.35. That is $1.71 per pound, down 5.6% from last year.