As with most things, Fourth of July barbecues will be more expensive this year.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ingredients for a quarter-pound home-prepared cheeseburger cost $2.07 in May. Ground beef costs $1.20, and cheddar cheese 35c. According to the USDA, this is 11.3% more than the $1.86 that was paid for the same burger last fiscal year.
Retail prices for ground beef are up 16.9% since 2021. This accounts for 17c of the additional cost. Meanwhile, cheddar cheese and bread costs rose approximately 1 cent each burger. According to the agency, the price of iceberg lettuce rose 23.3% over a year ago but only adds 2 cents to the total.
As many Americans celebrate Independence Day, burgers are not the only option.
The American Farm Bureau Federation will be adding cheeseburgers to its menu. It also offers pork chops and chicken breasts, homemade potato salad and strawberries.
According to the trade group, the overall cost of the war in Ukraine is $17 higher than last year. This was due to ongoing supply chain disruptions, inflation, and increased costs.
Roger Cryan (AFBF chief economist) says that farmers are feeling the same pain as consumers. The supplies needed to grow and raise food are becoming more expensive. In many cases, the higher prices paid to farmers don't cover the increased farm expenses. He stated that fuel prices are up and fertilizer prices had tripled in a news release.
According to the AFBF's pricing survey, two pounds of ground beef retail cost $11.12, which is 36% more than last year. Buns, chicken breasts, and pork chops are also on the rise.
However, strawberries are a bright spot as their price dropped by 86c per quart compared to last year. The AFBF also reported that the prices of potato chips and sliced cheese have dropped by 48 and 22 cents, respectively.
These are the results of 176 volunteers who shopped across the country and Puerto Rico.
Individual Prices, AFBF Summer Cookout 2022
