How expensive will the average Texas cookout be this 4th of July?
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AUSTIN (KXAN) — Is it really Independence Day if you aren't grilling?
Experts with Texas A&M University said the Fourth of July is the second of a three-part grilling trifecta, sandwiched between Memorial Day and Labor Day. This year, experts said some kinds of meat are slightly more expensive than last year, while others are offering a bit more bang for customers' bucks.
"We have a little higher ground beef prices, up about 4.5% over a year ago," said Dr. David Anderson, a professor and extension economist, Texas A&M University. "We've got some tighter supplies supporting those prices."
Anderson attributed those more limited beef supplies to ongoing drought conditions, which have forced ranchers to cut back on the numbers of cows they have. That reduced supply is translating into higher beef costs across the board, from brisket to ribs and everywhere in between.
Similar to beef, pork has seen a higher cost this season compared to past trends. However, Anderson said chicken costs are tracking lower now than a year ago.
Beyond drought conditions' impacts on production, Anderson said levels vary seasonally in Texas. There tends to be lower beef production leading into Memorial Day before it ramps up in the thick of summer. While chicken availability is more evenly spread out throughout the year, Anderson said fall seems to be the prime time for pork production levels.
The Texas Farm Bureau's Fourth of July summer cookout price report noted the average cost of a summer cookout for 10 people in Texas rings in at $63.17 this year, a slight dip from a $63.60 average in 2023. Typical holiday favorites noted in the report included cheeseburgers, chicken breasts, pork chops, potato salad, strawberries and ice cream.
But never doubt Americans' love for a good hot dog on the Fourth of July — just don't expect Anderson to be tuning into the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest.
"I'm not watching that Coney Island eating thing," he said, laughing. "I eat mine more conventionally."
For those doing any last-minute holiday shopping Wednesday, Anderson stressed sifting through their digital and physical coupons for any specials and deals before heading to the store. He also said customers might see different cuts of beef than they previously did; those can offer a wealth of savings if you're willing to sift through the meat case, he said.
"It's all designed to have something there that may be something unique, may be something that hits the price point you're looking for — something great to put on the grill for our big holiday," Anderson said.