News

Survey: Prices for eggs lower; milk higher

An informal survey indicates that food prices have fallen.  The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Spring Picnic Marketbasket Survey shows lower retail prices for ground chuck, sirloin tip roast, chicken breasts and eggs.

“We have an abundant supply of eggs,” said John Newton, market intelligence director at AFBF, in an interview provided by the farm organization.  “The USDA projects that egg supplies are going increase significantly above last year’s levels.”

The cost of 16 food items was $50.03, down $3.25 or about six percent compared to a year ago, according to the survey.  Of the 16 items surveyed, 11 decreased, four increased and one remained the same in average price.

“The results of this marketbasket survey track with overall food price trends that we’ve seen from the BLS,” said Newton.  “The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that food prices are down from prior year levels.”

Retail price changes from a year ago:

• eggs, down 41percent to $1.32 per dozen
• toasted oat cereal, down 15 percent to $2.83 for a 9-ounce box
• sirloin tip roast, down 13 percent to $4.95 per pound
• ground chuck, down 10 percent to $3.92 per pound
• chicken breast, down 6 percent to $3.17 per pound
• apples, down 6 percent to $1.55 per pound
• flour, down 5 percent to $2.36 for a 5-pound bag
• shredded cheddar cheese, down 4 percent to $4.10 per pound
• deli ham, down 3 percent to $5.42 per pound
• bacon, down 3 percent to $4.65 per pound
• potatoes, down 1 percent to $2.68 for a 5-pound bag
• bagged salad, up 6 percent to $2.34 per pound
• white bread, up 2 percent to $1.72 per 20-ounce loaf
• orange juice, up 1 percent to $3.22 per half-gallon
• whole milk, up 1 percent to $3.27 per gallon
• vegetable oil, no change, $2.55 for a 32-ounce bottle

Price checks of alternative milk and egg choices not included in the overall marketbasket survey average revealed the following: 1/2 gallon whole regular milk, $2.10; 1/2 gallon organic milk, $4.20; and one dozen “cage-free” eggs, $3.48.