Christmas turkey crisis looms as the summer heatwave pushes up cost

TURKEYS are set to cost more because the heatwave has pushed up the price of their feed.

Dry conditions have hit production of wheat feed used to plump up the birds.

As a result, the traditional Christmas turkey is likely to be five per cent more expensive than last December, industry experts claim.

British Turkey Federation chairman Paul Kelly confirmed: “The main issue for us is feed.”

Wheat feed prices are up by a fifth and are expected to continue to rise due to forecasts of continued hot weather.

Other parts of a Christmas dinner are also at risk of a price hike as farmers struggle to grow enough carrots and potatoes.

The wholesale price of carrots is up 51 per cent year on year due to poor growing conditions.

Industry chiefs say potato supplies are down “significantly” — with the heatwave contributing to a poor growing season.