The American Farm Bureau (AFB) has published an analysis revealing that the cost of a typical Fourth of July cookout for 10 people will be about $71.22, marking a 5% increase from last year and a 30% spike from 2019. This is the highest cost on record, with prices exceeding $7 per person for the first time. The increase is driven by rising prices of barbecue staples such as ground beef, pork chops, hamburger buns, cheese slices, strawberries, potato chips, ice cream, and lemonade. The report attributes the higher grocery bill to the inflation that has affected the economy, including the farm economy, over the past few years. Meat is the most expensive item for a barbecue, with the average cost of 2 pounds of ground beef at $12.77, up 11% from last year. This increase is attributed to the smallest cattle inventory in 73 years and record lows of beef in cold storage. Pork chop prices have also risen by about 8% nationally to an average of $15.49. However, the cost of chicken breast has decreased by 4% from last year, with an average cost of $7.83 for 2 pounds, attributed to increased broiler production and biosecurity measures to combat avian flu outbreaks. The AFBF's market basket survey, which enlisted volunteers from around the nation, found that the total meal cost has surpassed $7 per person for the first time, with only two dishes decreasing in price while everything else on the table rose. Meat accounts for about half of the total cookout cost, with ground beef being the most expensive. The report also highlights the impact of California's Proposition 12 on pork prices, with pork chop prices in California being even higher than the national average. In conclusion, the cost of hosting a Fourth of July cookout has reached a record high due to inflation, with meat prices being the biggest contributor to the increased expenses. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the factors driving the rising costs of barbecue essentials, offering insights into the current state of the farm economy and its impact on consumer prices.
