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Economic Times
03-07-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
July fourth cookouts face record beef prices amid shrinking cattle supply
TIL Creatives Ground beef prices have reached a record high of $6.67 per pound, reflecting historic lows in U.S. cattle inventories and rising demand (AI generated image) Ground beef prices have hit an all-time high, with retail costs for 2 pounds averaging $13.33, or $6.67 per pound, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). That's the highest price since the group began tracking in 2013. While consumers may find slight relief in the total cost of a traditional cookout, $70.92 for 10 people, or $7.09 per person, that figure is still 19% higher than it was five years ago. And beef is largely to spike in prices comes despite steady demand. 'Consumer demand for quality beef is not declining,' said Samantha Ayoub, associate economist at the AFBF and author of the new survey. 'If anything, it's proving to be incredibly resilient.'Cattle supply hits historic lows The root of the price surge is a shrinking cattle supply. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that the national cattle herd stands at 86.7 million, the lowest since 1951. Prolonged drought conditions in key grazing regions have worsened the situation, depleting pastureland and enabling the spread of drought-tolerant weeds that are nutritionally poor, or even toxic, for livestock. Compounding the pressure is concern over the spread of the New World screwworm, a parasitic fly species that lays eggs in open wounds of animals. The larvae burrow into flesh, causing severe infections. Although no cases have been reported in the US, recent infestations have reached as far north as Oaxaca, Mexico. Fearing potential outbreaks, the USDA in May suspended cattle imports from Mexico, a critical source of feeder cattle for the US beef market.'This pest poses a serious risk not only to Texas livestock and wildlife but also to the economic backbone of our rural communities,' said Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid futures reflect investor sentiment The cattle market has responded accordingly. Live cattle futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange have surged over 10% this year, hitting a record $2.19 per pound on June 9, making it one of the best-performing commodities in 2025. Other proteins offer a breakFortunately for consumers, not all meat prices are rising as sharply. Despite challenges from avian flu, the average cost of 2 pounds of chicken breast rose just 4 cents to $7.79. Pork prices actually declined, with 3 pounds of pork chops falling 9% to $14.13, according to the the soaring cost of ground beef underscores the broader strain in the nation's livestock sector, one that could reshape future pricing and availability unless weather patterns shift or import channels reopen. Until then, that Independence Day burger is likely to be a premium indulgence.
Miami Herald
27-06-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Fourth of July barbecues will cost more in California. Here's a breakdown
Fireworks aren't the only thing accompanying Californians' Fourth of July celebrations this year - higher grocery prices will as well. A California cookout for 10 guests will cost $90.06, compared with the national average of $70.92 and Western regional average of $73.50, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation's annual "marketbasket" survey. California-specific costs were included for the first time this year. The survey uses data collected by volunteer shoppers across the country, including Farm Bureau members and others, from stores in every state and Puerto Rico to give consumers a snapshot of food costs. This year's national average of $7.09 per person for a cookout, marks the second-highest cost since the survey began in 2013. California shoppers face steep premiums on cookout staples. Ground beef costs $14.33 for two pounds - $1 more than the national average. Chicken breasts run $12.48 for two pounds versus $7.79 nationally, while three pounds of pork chops cost $19.30, compared with $14.13 nationwide. Even basic items carry higher price tags in California. Hamburger buns cost $3.42 per package ($1.07 above average) and cheese runs $3.87 per pound (33 cents more). Fresh strawberries cost $6.14 for two pints versus $4.69 nationally, while two and a half pounds of homemade potato salad totals $4.92 compared with $3.54 elsewhere, the American Farm Bureau Federation said. Ice cream, cookies and lemonade also cost more in the Golden State. "Inflation and lower availability of some food items continue to keep prices stubbornly high for America's families," said Samantha Ayoub, associate economist at the American Farm Bureau Federation. Several factors account for the higher costs in California and nationwide. Trump administration tariffs on Mexico and Canada, two of the biggest suppliers of fresh produce, have increased import costs, which most retailers pass on to consumers. In March, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on most goods from Canada and Mexico. The American Farm Bureau Federation's assessment focuses mostly on food and drink items primarily grown and produced in the U.S., making it challenging to determine the full tariff impacts. However, steel and aluminum tariffs have increased costs for canned goods such as pork and beans. "Market uncertainty remains a challenge for many California producers, but we are hopeful the announcements of several recent trade deals is an indication that the administration is making progress on this front," Matthew Viohl, California Farm Bureau director of policy advocacy, said in an emailed statement. Reduced cattle availability and recovering chicken populations hit by avian flu also pushed prices higher. Additionally, ICE raids across California have created widespread fear among agricultural workers, disrupting farm operations and potentially threatening food production. Workforce disruptions could threaten the state's ability to supply healthy food, drive up grocery prices for all Americans and jeopardize California's position as the nation's agricultural leader, said Bryan Little, senior director of policy advocacy for the California Farm Bureau. Higher grocery costs, however, don't benefit farmers, who receive only 15% of each retail food dollar while facing rising expenses for labor, transportation and taxes. Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
The Hill
27-06-2025
- Business
- The Hill
Stars, stripes and sticker shock? Certain cookout items may be more expensive this year, study finds
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — You may be gearing up to start the grill and prepare the perfect July 4 picnic, but you may still find some sticker shock on grocery store shelves, despite a new report showing the average cookout will cost less than last year. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), this year marks the second-highest average Independence Day cookout cost since the organization began tracking in 2013. The average cost of a Fourth of July picnic for 10 people will cost $70.92 in 2025, down slightly from $71.22 last year. 'Inflation and lower availability of some food items continue to keep prices stubbornly high for America's families,' said AFBF associate economist Samantha Ayoub. 'High prices don't mean more money for farmers, however.' 'Farmers are price takers, not price makers,' she continued. 'Their share of the food retail dollar is just 15%. The cost of running their farm is up, from labor and transportation to taxes.' The AFBF determines the average cost for cookout staples like cheeseburgers, potato salad and ice cream by having volunteers visit their local grocery stores nationwide to review prices. This year, the cost breakdowns were collected in early June. The 2025 data show an increase in the cost of beef, potato salad and canned pork and beans, while there are drops in the cost of pork chops, chips, and hamburger buns. The table below shows this year's estimated costs on the left, beside last year's costs found by AFBF. According to the AFBF, 2025 marks the highest price for beef since they began tracking cookout prices. Rising beef prices have been fueled by drought conditions, consumer demand, and the recent New World screwworm threat. Meanwhile, pork prices have dropped compared to last year thanks to 'elevated production and higher market hog weights.' Another analysis by Wells Fargo found similar price increases over the last year, as well as higher costs across produce items. Cauliflower, broccoli, potatoes, and baby carrots are all up at least 1 percent in that time frame, while cherry tomatoes are up 3.7 percent. Common cookout goods that have also seen a price hike since 2024 include apple pie (1.5 percent), beer and wines (under 2 percent), liter bottles of soda (2 percent), and flavored sparkling waters (4.7 percent). Eggs, seemingly still seeing high prices due to the avian flu, are up 40 percent over the last year, according to Wells Fargo. The latest Consumer Price Index shows at-home food costs are up 2.2 percent over the last year. The cost of food away from home, meanwhile, is up 3.8 percent.
Los Angeles Times
26-06-2025
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
Fourth of July barbecues will cost more in California. Here's a breakdown
Fireworks aren't the only thing accompanying Californians' Fourth of July celebrations this year — higher grocery prices will as well. A California cookout for 10 guests will cost $90.06, compared to the national average of $70.92 and Western regional average of $73.50, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation's annual 'marketbasket' survey. California-specific costs were included for the first time this year. The survey uses data collected by volunteer shoppers across the country, including Farm Bureau members and others, from stores in every state and Puerto Rice to give consumers a snapshot of food costs. This year's national average of $7.09 per person for a cookout, marks the second-highest cost since the survey began in 2013. California shoppers face steep premiums on cookout staples. Ground beef costs $14.33 for two pounds — $1 more than the national average. Chicken breasts run $12.48 for two pounds versus $7.79 nationally, while three pounds of pork chops cost $19.30 compared to $14.13 nationwide. Even basic items carry higher price tags in California. Hamburger buns cost $3.42 per package ($1.07 above average) and cheese runs $3.87 per pound (33 cents more). Fresh strawberries cost $6.14 for two pints versus $4.69 nationally, while two and a half pounds of homemade potato salad totals $4.92 compared to $3.54 elsewhere, the American Farm Bureau said. Ice cream, cookies and lemonade also cost more in the Golden State. 'Inflation and lower availability of some food items continue to keep prices stubbornly high for America's families,' said American Farm Bureau Associate Economist Samantha Ayoub. Several factors account for the higher costs in California and nationwide. Trump administration tariffs on Mexico and Canada, two of the biggest suppliers of fresh produce, have increased import costs, which most retailers pass on to consumers. In March, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on most goods from Canada and Mexico. Strawberries, potatoes, and lemons — all cookout staples — may cost more as a direct result of these tariffs. The American Farm Bureau Federation's assessment focuses mostly on food and drink items primarily grown and produced in the U.S., making it challenging to determine the full tariff impacts. However, steel and aluminum tariffs have increased costs for canned goods like pork and beans. 'Market uncertainty remains a challenge for many California producers, but we are hopeful the announcements of several recent trade deals is an indication that the administration is making progress on this front,' Matthew Viohl, California Farm Bureau director of policy advocacy, said in an email statement. Reduced cattle availability and recovering chicken populations hit by avian flu also pushed prices higher. Additionally, ICE raids across California have created widespread fear among agricultural workers, disrupting farm operations and potentially threatening food production. Workforce disruptions could threaten the state's ability to supply healthy food, drive up grocery prices for all Americans and jeopardize California's position as the nation's agricultural leader, said Bryan Little, senior director of policy advocacy for the California Farm Bureau. Higher grocery costs, however, don't benefit farmers, who receive only 15% of each retail food dollar while facing rising expenses for labor, transportation and taxes.
Associated Press
25-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Cost of Summer Cookout Nearly Unchanged from 2024
Washington, D.C.--(Newsfile Corp. - June 25, 2025) - Families celebrating the Fourth of July holiday continue to find high prices at the grocery store, based on the 2025 American Farm Bureau Federation annual marketbasket survey. An Independence Day cookout will cost $70.92 for 10 guests this year. This is down only 30 cents from last year's record-high cost. At $7.09 per person, 2025 will be the second-highest cost since Farm Bureau began the survey in 2013. The cookout favorites include cheeseburgers, chicken breasts, pork chops, homemade potato salad, strawberries and ice cream, among other products. While the survey does not include an exhaustive list of Fourth of July options, it serves as a snapshot of prices families are facing this summer. 'Inflation and lower availability of some food items continue to keep prices stubbornly high for America's families,' said AFBF Associate Economist Samantha Ayoub. 'High prices don't mean more money for farmers, however. Farmers are price takers, not price makers. Their share of the food retail dollar is just 15%. The cost of running their farm is up, from labor and transportation, to taxes.' The marketbasket survey shows an increase in the cost of beef, potato salad and canned pork and beans, while there are drops in the cost of pork chops, chips and hamburger buns. The retail price for 2 pounds of ground beef increased 4.4% to $13.33. Pork and beans will cost $2.69, up 20 cents from 2024. Potato salad is up 6.6% to $3.54. Several factors influence these increases, reflecting the sort of challenges farmers regularly face. Fewer cattle are available for processing, which is affecting supplies. Steel and aluminum tariffs mean increased prices on canned goods. The cost of eggs - used in potato salad - is still elevated, although they are much lower than record highs earlier this year as egg-laying chicken populations are recovering from avian influenza. Our survey found a reduction in cost for six cookout staples. Among them is a 3-pound package of pork chops, which is down 8.8% from last year, at $14.13. Chips average $4.80 a bag, a dime less than 2024. Hamburger buns are 2.6% less expensive, at $2.35. The amount of pork available to stores is up, which is pushing prices down. The demand for potatoes has eased, helping bring down the cost of chips. Wheat prices are still much lower than record highs of three years ago, contributing to the slight decrease in the cost of buns. Although the $7.09 per-person cost is near a historic high, when put in a global context, people in the U.S. spend a smaller percentage of their expenditures on food than in any other country. AFBF President Zippy Duvall said, 'We can celebrate America's independence every year in part because of the hard work of the farmers and ranchers who contribute to the nation's food independence. Farmers are dedicated to doing the right thing, and their commitment to sustainable and innovative farming practices ensures a safe and abundant food supply for every family in America. 'Farmers and ranchers achieve this, in part, through research, conservation and farm safety net programs that are made possible through a strong farm bill. We urge members of Congress to return from their holiday break and pass a new, modernized five-year farm bill. We appreciate efforts during the reconciliation process to address some issues facing agriculture, but only a new farm bill will bring the certainty farmers need to continue leading the world in agriculture.' The federal government's broader Consumer Price Index report for food at home shows an overall increase of 2.2% compared to a year ago. Farm Bureau's informal marketbasket survey examines only those foods commonly associated with summer cookouts. The July Fourth cookout survey is part of the Farm Bureau marketbasket series, which also includes the popular annual Thanksgiving dinner cost survey of common food staples Americans use to prepare a holiday meal at home. Volunteer shoppers across the country, including Farm Bureau members and others, collected data from stores in every state and Puerto Rico. Individual Prices, AFBF 2025 Summer Cookout Read the full Market Intel on the 2025 Fourth of July Cookout Survey here. To download selected soundbites on the survey, click here. [ This image cannot be displayed. Please visit the source: ] Photo credit: AFBF To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: AFBF is the nation's largest general farm organization with member families in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Learn more atFarmBureauon Facebook or follow@FarmBureauon X,@FarmBureauon Instagram, or@FarmBureauon TikTok. Media Contact: Bailey Corwine [email protected] To view the source version of this press release, please visit
