Loveston Farm turkeys in high demand

9:00am Thursday 27th November 2008

High feed prices are pushing up the cost of Christmas turkeys — but producers in Pembrokeshire are reporting good demand from consumers after warnings that festive poultry may be in short supply.

The shortage comes because some farmers have given up production while others, like Edward Morris, have reduced numbers.

He had been rearing 1,000 turkeys at Loveston Farm, St Twynnells, for the Christmas market but this year he has cut numbers by 10%.

“We weren’t able to sell all the turkeys last Christmas and were forced to sell them to a wholesaler at a substantially reduced price so we decided to cut numbers this year,” says Mr Morris.

And with many others giving up production altogether there is likely to be a scramble for Christmas turkeys this year.

Prices have seen an increase, but much of that rise has been shouldered by producers.

Rocketing fuel, packaging, and offal disposal charges have pushed costs up by 20% for producers, but less than half of this has been passed on in the retail price.

However, Mr Morris is confident that customers will still opt for turkey this Christmas.

“All meats have increased in price,” he added.

“Beef has gone up by 21%, lamb by 13% and pork by 18% so a turkey is still good value.

“People still like a fresh turkey at Christmas because they are guaranteed a farm-fresh flavour and know exactly where it has come from.”

The Wales Turkey Producers Association will be holding its annual general meeting in Llandeilo on December 4th.