WATERLOO, Iowa — The 2011 grilling season is off to an ominous start. The weather hasn't cooperated and meat isn't exactly cheap.
The good news is it's bound to warm up and stop snowing, right? Unfortunately, food and livestock experts say beef, pork and chicken prices won't retreat any time soon.
Local food retailers say meat prices, on average, have increased 10 to 15 percent since last spring. The Bureau of Labor Statistics' monthly Consumer Price Index report on April 15 said prices for meat, poultry, fish and eggs surged 7.9 percent in March compared to a year ago.
Though meat is more expensive overall, retailers said carnivores craving a juicy T-bone, Iowa chop or bacon cheeseburger shouldn't fret. There's plenty of ways to save like watching for sales and buying in bulk.
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