In California, producers expect to sell about 15 million birds this year, with as much as 45 percent of sales coming during the holidays, reports the California Poultry Federation.

The activity comes as both supply and demand for turkeys appear to be up this year. As of Sept. 30, there were 69,932 pounds of turkey in cold storage in the Pacific Coast region, compared to 51,897 pounds a year earlier, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

However, while California is among the top six turkey-producing states, it produces only about 40 percent of what the state needs, said Bill Mattos, the California Poultry Federation's president.

While many consumers buy frozen birds from out of state, California producers market themselves within the state by selling the birds fresh -- kept at 26 degrees or above, he said. Mattos urges consumers to look for a "fresh" label in the supermarket.

"We specialize in fresh," he said of California producers. "They're very popular this year."

Mattos said prices have been stable this year amid the slow economy. Producers will have a better idea at the end of the year how they've done financially in 2009, he said.

Consumers looking for preparation tips can visit the California Poultry Federation's Web site, www.cpif.org,">www.cpif.org, or call Foster Farms' hotline at 800-255-7227 or Zacky Farms hotline at 800-888-0235.

--Tim Heardon

Online

California Poultry Federation: www.cpif.org

Foster Farms: www.FosterFarms.com

Zacky Farms: www.Zacky.com