Report: MO food prices on the rise

Missouri food prices are up 4 percent in the third quarter, compared to the second quarter, according to the Missouri Farm Bureau.

A typical trip to the grocery store cost $49.32 in the third quarter, according to the bureau's Marketbasket Survey - an informal comparison of 16 predetermined items representative of agricultural commodities used to prepare a variety of meals. The same items purchased in the second quarter cost $47.23. National averages in the third quarter for the same items rang in at $53.12, according to a news release.

The most significant drops in price for the state were for milk, down 8 cents a gallon, and shredded cheddar cheese, down 30 cents a pound. Protein-rich food, such as beef and pork, had the largest increases - sirloin tip roast increased 23 cents a pound, a pound of bacon increased by 24 cents and deli ham prices were up 33 cents a pound. Prices for ground chuck were down 10 cents a pound and boneless chicken breasts were down 3 cents a pound.

"There are a lot of variables going on in the livestock industry," said Diane Olson, director of promotion and education for the Missouri Farm Bureau, in the release. "Drought, floods and fires cause problems for farmers and ranchers with pastures and hay production, and feed prices are also high.

"All of this comes into play when farmers and ranchers determine whether or not to expand their herds, and there is not a lot of expansion taking place," she added. "Essentially, the livestock market is flat."

Other food prices on the rise include russet potatoes, up 26 cents per five-pound bag, Grade A large eggs, up 18 cents a dozen, and a 20-ounce loaf of bread, up 29 cents.[[In-content Ad]]