Food prices June 2021

[Hinotori]

I didn't price check meat today at business center. Was an in and out. Did notice that they didn't have shell eggs at all except for the quail eggs. First time I've not seen eggs in there

 

[Mini Horses]

Strange. But bird flu took out some flocks a while back, so might be short stock waiting for lay age pullets.

AND -- Christmas baking is in full swing! I read some restaurants we're having a time getting eggs, not long ago.

Here, I got 3 eggs today ...15 hens. Winter vacay.

 

[murphysranch]

I'm worried about the tariffs. An acquaintance said I'm over reacting, that the administration is only using it as a hammer over the heads of Mexico and South America to stop the illegal immigrants.

OK, but when they begin, there is going to be a significant increase in the price of fruits and veggies, which if you notice in the stores right now, is mostly coming from the southern hemisphere or near the equator.

 

[FarmerJamie]

I'm worried about the tariffs. An acquaintance said I'm over reacting, that the administration is only using it as a hammer over the heads of Mexico and South America to stop the illegal immigrants.

OK, but when they begin, there is going to be a significant increase in the price of fruits and veggies, which if you notice in the stores right now, is mostly coming from the southern hemisphere or near the equator.

I have mixed thoughts on this. I am old enough to remember when the global supply chain was in its infancy. Heck, I remember when just about everything was seasonal - like getting Florida citrus only in December (FFA sold by the case). I was sick of navel oranges by February. Lolol.

Tariffs are intended to change behavior.

Personally, I wonder if our society will come crashing down if we can't get strawberries in January from somewhere outside the United States? Or can't get avocados? Part of me believes a "reset" is in order on how we look at our food. Even before the talk of tariffs, we were already well stocked on coffee, the freezer is full of local fruit, and the canning larder is full. We buy local beef, not the stuff from South America.

Lots of people will be inconvenienced, yes. Maybe we can wake up as a society and be more proactive in our own lives.

Not trying to encroach into politics, I am not personally too concerned at the moment

 

[Mini Horses]

The existing damages/losses from hurricanes is more concerning to me -- ag losses -- than tariffs. Some farm lands will be compromised for several years, or even loss to use. I buy seasonally &/or grow it. In fact, I buy limited amounts anyway. Prices are going to increase, either way.

Will there be lesser quantity? Maybe. Buy less, eat less. Still will cost more. Truly there's not a lot we can't do without. We think we can't but sometimes it simply the pleasure we enjoy.

Right now I have a canner going & need to move things to even shelve it!! Full pantry.

 

[Hinotori]

Reagan encouraged a lot of the way the US farms. Basic foods used to be grown and sold regionally. Then all the mega farms started getting the subsidies that were supposed to help the small farms.

CAFOs were encouraged by the government. My great uncle quit raising beef for market in the 80s because it cost more to raise than he'd get. He pastured and only grain finished. Some years now his farm loses money on potatoes. Those have to be dug so another crop can go in the field the next year. He used to sell directly to stores, but stores now only buy from middlemen who make more money for the crop than he does.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Time to panic - no. Time to do what we SS-er's always do and try to mitigate any upcoming price increases - of course.

DH and I are lucky enough to be financially sound so we will be fine. The folks I worry about are the ones who are barely getting by as it is. They can't take more hardship. Very sad that the upcoming generations will have it harder than their parents in many cases.

This particular thread pertains to food prices but there are so many other products that could increase in price. Not good news if it happens.

I can live without strawberries in the winter - but avocados are LIFE!

 

[murphysranch]

@FarmerJamie - terrific food for thought answer. Thanks.