According to a new study published by the National Farmers Union, the average American farmer and rancher takes home 12.1 cents from every dollar that consumers spend on their Thanksgiving dinner meals.  According to the NFU’s Farmer’s Share publication, farmers receive 14.6 cents of every food dollar consumers spend throughout the year, but that figure drops considerably during the holidays.  NFU added more than 85% of food costs cover marketing, processing, wholesaling, distribution and retailing.

 

“Farmers and ranchers play the most valuable role in actually producing the food that is served at holiday dinners, yet they make just pennies on the dollar for their products," said NFU President Roger Johnson. The farmer’s share of the retail food dollar continues its gradual decline from year-to-year as food companies take in record profits and family farmers sell their farms.”

 

According to the NFU, wheat farmers averaged $0.03 on 12 dinner rolls that retail for $2.69.  Dairy producers receive $1.66 from a $4.59 gallon of milk.  Turkey growers, who raise the staple Thanksgiving dish, receive $0.06 per pound retailing at $1.49.

 

 

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