The US turkey sector is facing a challenging year. Production is predicted to drop by 3% in 2025, reaching 4.97 billion pounds. This decline is according to the USDA’s Livestock and Poultry Outlook. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and weak consumer demand are the factors contributing to this contraction. Flock depopulations from late 2024 into early 2025 are limiting output as producers grapple with soft market conditions.
Meanwhile, turkey mating behavior is very active with the spring season starting. Turkey flocks have begun to split from winter flocks into breeding groups. Gobblers have begun spring mating rituals and can be heard gobbling off roost and strutting in their lekking zones, especially on calm, cool mornings. Hens have been reported leaving groups to begin nesting.
Additional Turkey Facts
- Wild turkeys can run at speeds up to 25 miles per hour and fly up to 50 miles per hour.
- Turkey droppings can determine a bird’s sex and age.
