Joanna Radford
Home, Farm, & Garden
As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, indulging in turkey, stuffing, and all the trimmings, it’s easy to forget the unsung heroes who make our feast possible: the farmers. In the United States, farmers work tirelessly in all kinds of weather — through scorching heat, freezing cold, hurricanes, tornadoes, and torrential rain — to ensure that we have all the food we enjoy on a daily basis. Their dedication is nothing short of remarkable, yet they receive only a fraction of the food dollar that consumers spend.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, more than 85 cents of every food dollar spent in the U.S. goes towards off-farm costs, such as marketing, processing, wholesaling, distribution, and retailing. This leaves farmers with just a small share of the retail price, despite the hard work and risk involved in producing the food we consume.
In Surry County alone, with nearly 1,000 farms, the average age of farmers is approaching 60 years. This highlights not only their dedication but also the urgent need to support and appreciate them.
Consider the numbers for last year’s Thanksgiving staples, according to the National Farmers’ Union:
- Turkey (11 lb frozen): Retail Price – $21.89; Farmer’s Share – $0.66
- Mashed Potatoes (5 lb bag): Retail Price – $3.99; Farmer’s Share – $0.64
- Sweet Corn (16 oz frozen): Retail Price – $2.99; Farmer’s Share – $0.41
- Stuffing (12 oz box): Retail Price – $3.99; Farmer’s Share – $0.09
- Boneless Ham (2 lb): Retail Price – $12.98; Farmer’s Share – $1.32
- Pumpkin Pie Filling (15 oz can): Retail Price – $1.79; Farmer’s Share – $0.16
- Cranberries (12 oz): Retail Price – $2.99; Farmer’s Share – $0.29
These figures starkly illustrate how little of each dollar spent on these items actually goes back to the growers. For example, the turkey you enjoy might only return 66 cents to the farmer from a $21.89 purchase. The stuffing you savor provides just 9 cents back from a $3.99 box.
The next time you enjoy a meal, take a moment to remember the hard work and dedication of the farmers who made it possible. Their contribution goes far beyond what can be measured in cents. Farmers are the backbone of our food system, working selflessly to provide us with the essentials of life.
So, this Thanksgiving, as you enjoy your feast, take a moment to thank a farmer. Whether through a personal note, a social media shout-out, or simply by being more mindful of their contribution, showing appreciation is a meaningful way to acknowledge the critical role they play in our lives. Farmers are indeed the unsung heroes of our tables, and it’s time we recognize and appreciate their invaluable contributions. Thank a farmer — because behind every bite of your Thanksgiving meal is their hard work, dedication, and commitment to feeding our nation.
Data for this article was sourced from 2023 USDA NASS, and other industry sources.
