Bacon Is Breaking the Bank
Gif credit: Essence of Life
Amped up for barbecue season? Ready to throw a rack of ribs into the smoker, or make carnitas for your Cinco de Mayo party?
Well, brace yourself, because as is true of beef prices, which have been up thanks to drought in cattle country, the cost of pork is going through the roof. A highly contagious porcine virus called PEDv has knocked out a full 10 percent of the nation’s pig population, and sent pork prices into the stratosphere. You can now expect to pay about $3.83 per pound, according to Reuters. By point of comparison, in December 2012 pork cost $1.97, according to USDA data.
Is it going to be as easy as switching to chicken? Unfortunately, maybe not. If the demand for chicken grows, so, too, will its price tag. Now might be a very smart time to buy local, keep an eye on sales, and eat those fish and vegetables you’re always meaning to work into your diet.
As for the other white meat, it’s probably wise to start putting pennies in your piggy bank until you’re able to bring home the bacon again.
[via Reuters]
