What do you like when it comes to turkeys, fresh or frozen? Iowans prefer frozen turkeys, though the fresh market is on the rise - but sometimes they're hard to find.

Fresh or Frozen?

The Iowa Farm Bureau says the turkey industry is in for a bit of a tough holiday season—though it's great news for your wallet! Turkeys are way cheaper this year, with frozen whole turkeys going for just 94 cents per pound. That’s a pretty sweet deal, especially when you consider that prices have been on the decline for a while now.  

But, before you start thinking this is a turkey comeback, the price drop is mainly because people aren’t buying as many turkeys anymore. In fact, U.S. turkey consumption has been dropping steadily, from over 5 billion pounds in 2019 to just under 5 billion pounds this year. Looks like fewer folks are craving that turkey dinner. 

Why the Turkey Decline?

So why the decline? Well, turkey’s not the only bird in the meat aisle. Pork and beef are stepping up their game, giving turkeys some stiff competition. And, even though people traditionally stock up on turkey around the holidays, overall interest in it is still sliding. So, while you’re saving some cash this holiday season, turkey producers are feeling the pinch. Guess it’s not just the turkey that’s getting roasted this year! 

The wife and I do like a fresh bird when we prepare our own.  They cooked up a bit better for us, it seems, in the past, and this year we will see.

How Do We Seque into Thanksgiving Weather?

If you like your bird fresh or frozen, great, but you could be frozen this coming Thanksgiving! That, my friend, is what we call a segue.  Yes, more like a car crash, but a segue nonetheless.

National Weather Service Facebook/Canva/TSM
National Weather Service Facebook/Canva/TSM
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Say What About the Weather on Thanksgiving?

There is a bit of weather on the way for Iowa.  So, if you're headed out for Thanksgiving, check out the forecast and see how it will impact your travels.  If you're staying in and hosting, well, we have info for you too! How much snow could you see, and, if you're the host, I know where you can get great deals at Iowa food retailers for your Thanksgiving meal. Like, real savings.

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Inclement Weather in Iowa on the Way

The National Weather Service says It looks like a winter weather system might roll in late Tuesday night and stick around through Thanksgiving Day, bringing snow or a mix of snow and rain to parts of the area. Is it a Snowicane? No. There’s still a lot of uncertainty about exactly where it’s headed, so keep an eye out for updates!

National Weather Service Facebook/Canva/TSM
National Weather Service Facebook/Canva/TSM
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For The Thanksgiving Host that Doesn't Want to Cook

It has never been easier to host a Thanksgiving meal. This year, several Iowa food retailers are offering great deals on Thanksgiving meals.  Depending on how many you'll serve, if it's about four or even a few more, Hy-Vee has you covered. And, Aldi is offering their meal for $47 and that feeds 10 people.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving, Pilgrim!

Eastern Iowa Restaurants We Want on 'Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives'

The Food Network show 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives' hasn't made very many stops in Iowa, so we wanted to give them a few ideas for their next visit! Our list contains diners, hole-in-the-walls, small town staples, places that have stood the test of time, and restaurants that just have that perfect dive-y vibe. Most of our picks come from the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City areas, but we did include a few favorites that are a bit of a drive! Here are some of the places we'd love to see on 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives' someday:

Gallery Credit: Courtlin

Slang Names Iowans Use For Cities & Towns in Iowa

The 'I Grew Up In Iowa' Facebook Group was asked for slang terms for towns in Iowa that you have used or know of.

Gallery Credit: Sloppy Joe

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