AFBF summer cookout survey says meal costs less this year

American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) recent summer cookout food survey found the meal will cost less this year, reports Drovers CattleNetwork.

AFBF’s informal survey revealed the average cost for a summer cookout for 10 is $55.84, or $5.58 per person—approximately 3 percent less than a year ago. Foods included hot dogs, cheeseburgers, pork spare ribs, potato salad, baked beans, lemonade and chocolate milk.

“Meat production is starting to increase substantially. Beef prices have started to stabilize but have not declined yet. On the other hand, retail pork prices have been declining all year,” said John Anderson, deputy chief economist at AFBF.

“Based on our survey, food prices overall appear to be fairly stable. Prices for beef have continued to increase this year, but prices for other meats are generally declining. Dairy product prices are also quite a bit lower,” said Anderson.