Farm Bureau: Hoosiers Get a Bit of Relief at the Grocery Ahead of Fourth of July

Summer cookout costs slightly down for Indiana shoppers and below the U.S. average.

Shutterstock photo.

INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana shoppers can expect to pay less for their Fourth of July cookout this year. 

According to Indiana Farm Bureau's annual summer cookout market basket, Hoosiers are paying an average of $68.33 for a cookout feeding 10 people this summer, or $6.83 per person - a 2.0 percent decrease from last year. 

"Inflation is slowing slightly and supply chain issues that have been prevalent for the last few years are slowly getting worked out, so we are seeing a slight decrease in prices compared to last year here in Indiana," explained INFB Chief Economist Dr. Tood Davis. "Our location in the central part of the country - closer to where most food is produced - also plays a role in Indiana and other Midwest states coming in lower than the national average." 

The total market basket price of $68.33 includes ground beef, cheese, hamburger buns, pork chops, chicken breasts, pork and beans, potato salad, strawberries, chips, ice cream, cookies and lemonade.

The item that saw the largest increase in price was ground beef, which increased 14 percent from last year to $13.88 for 2 pounds and was 9 percent more expensive than the U.S. average cost of $12.77 for 2 pounds.

Cattle herds have declined to the lowest levels since 1961 because of sustained and persistent drought impacting the Southern Plains over the last few years, resulting in higher feeding and operating costs for cattle farmers.

“Fewer animals mean fewer head going to market, causing a tighter supply at the grocery store,” said Dr. Davis.

Other items on the shopping list that were slightly more expensive in Indiana than last year include hamburger buns, pork chops, lemonade, potato salad and strawberries. However, strawberries were 16 percent less in Indiana than they were nationally.

Cookies, chicken breasts, cheese, ice cream and chips are more affordable in Indiana than last year. 

More details about AFBF’s national summer cookout market basket results can be found at fb.org