As Inflation Continues, Meats Become the Affordable Option

by Peter Thomas Ricci, meatingplace.com

With prices continuing to rise across the U.S. economy (and with meat seeing record retail numbers), some meat products have emerged as increasingly affordable food options, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ latest CPI.

The overall CPI rose 6.5 percent year-over-year in December, with the “food” category posting the largest increases at 10.4 percent.

Meat, however, was a very different story – prices only rose two percent for the category, compared to 16.1 percent for cereals, 15.3 percent for dairy, and an astounding 59.9 percent for eggs.

Consistent with recent months, prices continue to become more affordable for beef products. Overall beef prices were down 3.1 percent, with roasts falling 3.5 percent and steaks falling 5.4 percent.

While pork prices inched up 1.5 percent, bacon was down 3.7 percent. The breakfast category remains in demand, with breakfast sausage prices up nine percent and ham prices up 5.7 percent. And consumers continue to trade down for hot dogs, where prices are up 18.2 percent.

Lastly, demand is still quite high for poultry, with the category rising 12.2 percent over last December. Whole chicken prices were up 13.3 percent, while prices for chicken parts (fresh and frozen) and turkey were up 10.3 percent and 18.1 percent, respectively.

Agricultural Women Seek Nominations for the next “Diamond in the Rough”

The 2023 Women in Agriculture Leadership Conference (WALC) is slated for May 23 through 25 in Albuquerque. A highlight of the event is honoring New Mexico women with the Diamond in the Rough Award.

The award was created to honor outstanding women in New Mexico agriculture and highlight her efforts and contributions. Nominations are currently being accepted for those women that, through their actions, strive to make New Mexico’s agricultural industry a prosperous, viable component of the Land of Enchantment. Nomination forms can be located at www.nmflb.org and must be received by April 15, 2023 to be considered.

“Today’s agricultural women are integral parts of their families’ agricultural operations, in addition to their traditional roles, and we feel that they deserve to be recognized for their contributions,” said Erica Valdez, Diamond in the Rough Committee Chair.

Themed Community and Opportunity: Women Flourishing in a New Era, this year is the 2st anniversary of WALC. Over 250 women from across New Mexico are expected to come together to development leadership skills to help them succeed in today’s environment. Attendees will be treated to a great tour and hear top-notch entertainment. ▫