July 4th Barbecues to Cost 17% More

The inflation storm clouds are going to rain on 4^th of July family barbeques and picnics this year.

A new American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) survey finds that July 4^th BBQs will cost 17% more than last year.

Persistent supply chain issues and inflation, as well as the war in Ukraine, are contributing to higher food prices. Meat, fish and poultry costs increased 14.2% in May year over year (YOY), per the most recent CPI (consumer price index) data. The Farm Bureau Federation found an even starker 36% increase in ground beef prices, with the survey additionally finding prices rising 33% for chicken breasts, 31% for pork chops, and 16% for hamburger buns.

In 2022, the average cost of a July 4^th barbecue for 10 people will ring in at $69.68, a $10 increase from the average of $59.66 in 2020.

Alongside Americans with pinched pocketbooks this July 4^th, farmers are dealing with high inflation, too, with American Farmer Bureau Federation Chief Economist Roger Cryan noting: “Like consumers, farmers are price-takers, not price-makers. Bottom line: in many cases the higher prices farmers are being paid aren’t covering the increase in their farm expenses. The cost of fuel is up, and fertilizer prices have tripled.”

Broadly, AFBF President Zippy Duvall calls the inflation that both consumers and farmers are seeing a global problem, noting “The big impact of a single event in Ukraine shows how dependent the world is on stable, productive agriculture.”

As irritating as inflation will be for those looking to fire up the barbecue this July 4^th, rising prices for grilling side dishes and drinks are also going to jack up bills on July 4^th Weekend. The price of frozen chicken rose nearly 17.9% in April YOY. The price of lettuce and cheese rose a respective 12.7% and 6.5%, and the price of beer was up 5%, according to April data from the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

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