As we fill our plates for Thanksgiving dinner, it can be tempting to offer your dog a snack on the table. But be aware that there are certain foods your dog can’t enjoy with you this Thanksgiving.

Nearly 300 million Americans celebrate Thanksgiving every fourth Thursday in November with classics like turkey, stuffing and cranberries, but have you ever wondered where all these staples come from?

According to data compiled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Minnesota harvests the most turkeys each year, while Wisconsin is the top cranberry-producing state.

American tastes change over time, and menu items that were once popular may be replaced by trendier or less expensive options in certain circumstances.

A family’s Thanksgiving feast typically costs between $40 and $70, with factors such as weather, inflation and disease playing a role in product availability and cost.

Here’s a look at some of the most popular menu items for the vacation.

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Turkey production

The United States produces more turkeys than any other country in the world, with more than 6 billion pounds harvested each year.

States like Minnesota, North Carolina, Arkansas, Indiana, Missouri, Virginia, Iowa and California represent the bulk of production.

The USDA estimated the value of turkeys produced nationwide in 2023 was $6.57 billion.

According to agricultural experts, climate largely plays no role in production, but drought conditions can impact corn and associated animal feed costs.

According to the National Turkey Federationfarmers export more than 10% of their production to international markets, with Mexico being the largest importer of poultry.

The protein’s popularity has generally declined in the United States, with only about 90% of households reporting in surveys that they plan to serve it around Thanksgiving.

Younger consumers and those who are more health conscious are reportedly turning to alternative proteins and plant-based products.

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Cranberry production

Besides turkey production, the United States is also the leading producer of cranberries.

According to USDA data, states such as WisconsinMassachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington produce almost the entire crop.

THE Badger State produces every year more than half of the country’s crops and are grown in what are often called peatlands.

These low areas make it easier farmers to carry out what is called “wet harvesting”, where the marshes flood and the berries float upwards.

Overall, crops are considered relatively hardy but may be affected by droughts during the growing season.

According to experts, a drought can have many consequences, from delayed harvests to shriveled berries.

The USDA reports that the country’s production follows a steady trend, but is very seasonal, with most produce used for juices.

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Sweet potato production

Unlike turkeys and cranberries, the United States is not the largest producer of sweet potatoes in the world, but ranks in the top ten every year.

According to the USDA, California, Mississippi and Louisiana are all notable producers of potatoes, but North Carolina leads every year, producing more than 60% of the country’s harvest.

According to farmers, potatoes prefer long, hot summers, but their production can be disrupted when humidity levels are high.

Due to their health benefits, such as vitamins C and A, sweet potatoes are growing in popularity and are not just a seasonal product.

Hurricanes such as Florence, Matthew and Floyd have had a significant impact on agricultural production, which is centered in the eastern half of the Tar Heel State.

According to the State of North CarolinaNearly half of all crops, consisting of cotton, soybeans, sweet potatoes and soybeans, were lost in flooding caused by Hurricane Floyd in 1999.

Despite the gusty winds and heavy rains Helene During the 2024 hurricane season, the hardest-hit areas were outside the coastal plains, sparing many farmers the brunt of the storm.

North Carolina Land Use Map

(FOX Weather)

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Green bean production

Similar to turkeys and cranberries, Wisconsin is the nation’s leading producer of green beans, with more than 600 million pounds of snap beans produced each year.

States like Michigan, Illinois, FloridaNew York and Oregon are also major vegetable producers, according to the USDA.

Green beans are considered by agricultural experts to be one of the most popular vegetables to grow in the garden and can be grown throughout the Lower 48.

According to the University of Georgia Agricultural ExtensionGreen beans grow best when air temperatures range from 65°F to 85°F and soil temperatures are at least 55°F.

There is a threshold for temperatures to be too hot – generally anything above 85°F can cause wilting and slow crop production.

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Corn production

The country is the world’s largest producer of corn each year, with Iowa, Illinois and Nebraska leading the way in production.

Drought-tolerant seed varieties have contributed to record harvests in recent years.

In a peak year, farmers typically produce more than 350 million tons of corn.

Agriculture depends heavily on climate forecasts, which can serve as a guide for the start of the planting season.

Studies show that when corn is planted in late April or early May, it can lead to maximum yields, but planting depends on the last frost date. Colder springs can delay the start of harvests, leading to lower production.

Additionally, corn is very sensitive to drought and a lack of water can lead to lower yields and smaller kernels.

According to the USDA, most corn is used for energy production and feed to livestock, such as turkeys.

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How much do farmers typically make on a Thanksgiving feast?

Farmers receive only a small percentage of what consumers spend at the grocery store, according to data from the USDA and National Farmers Union.

In 2023, producers earned between 2 and 13 percent on the most popular items, despite rising prices at grocery stores for holiday staples.

THE Estimated UNF that a farmer’s net share of an 11-pound turkey was only 66 cents, while cranberries earned a farmer about 29 cents.

The union attributed the apparent income disparity to decades of mergers and acquisitions in the industry. agriculture and food supply industries.

The organization called for stronger enforcement and increased transparency around pricing to ensure consumers know where their money is going every time they go to the grocery store.

The National Retail Federation says late fall and winter are typically the busiest months for stores, with business leveling off after the new year.