Hosting a Fourth of July barbecue? Expect to spend more

The cost of a Fourth of July picnic have reached a peak
Higher grocery costs push up the price of many holiday staples
Ground beef, chicken and hamburger buns all cost more this year, while chips and potato salad saw slight price declines.

It’s not your imagination. Hosting a Fourth of July barbecue is more expensive this year, with costs for a party of 10 climbing past $71 in the Midwest, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.

The $71.45 cost is up from $69.87 the previous year. Costs are slightly less in Michigan, at $66, according to the survey, but last year’s state average wasn’t available.

Prices vary based on what’s on the menu, of course, but they’re the highest since the farm group began the survey in 2016. Nationally, the average cost is almost $74.

“This year’s shopping list reflects the entire economy. We know that families across the country are paying more at the grocery store,” said Faith Parum, economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation in a statement.

In the past year, food prices overall have climbed 3.1%, according to the Consumer Price Index. Picnic staples like ground beef are up even more, increasing 5.5% to $14.06 nationwide for two pounds.

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While consumers are paying more at the checkout line, Michigan farmers face higher production costs due to the Iran War. Costs rose for everything from fertilizer to aluminum

“America has one of the most affordable and abundant food supplies in the world, driven by the efficiency and hard work of the US farmer,” said Theresa Sisung, commodity and regulatory relations manager for the Michigan Farm Bureau.

“Despite that, a farmer’s share of the food dollar is around 6% after expenses, so there is often a disconnect between grocery store prices and what is happening at the farm.”

Those rising production costs are affecting farmers in Michigan and across the country.

Although a few cookout staples became less expensive this year, many of the most popular items increased in price.