Farmers are not to blame for a more costly Memorial Day cookout this year

Your Memorial Day cookout will likely cost more this year. New numbers from Rabobank show they are hitting new highs but say it is not the fault of your neighborhood farmer.

“Inputs for farmers are up about 10% against the long-run averages on a real basis. But we’re also still in the process of realigning global trade flows. The era of unburdened shipping is behind us for now. At least. We are also seeing regulatory costs associated with changing ingredients around MAHA as one example. Another factor that companies are looking at, some are already reformulating to phase out food guides. Labor costs also remain elevated, nearly 1% above long-run averages,” said Tom Bailey.

Last year’s Memorial Day barbeque costs were up around two percent compared to 2023. This year, Rabobank says they are up more than four percent over last year’s gains.

Related Stories
These Easy Roast Beef Sliders are perfect for potlucks and parties, or a quick and easy dinner main dish you can prepare in advance. Thinly sliced Deli Roast Beef is sandwiched between rolls and baked with cheese until golden and delicious.
Memorial Day is a day to remember and honor military personnel who died while serving in the armed forces. We wanted to share some songs that honor this day and pay tribute to those soldiers.
The favorite foods of the political elite have enamored Americans for centuries. From finding out what the president sneaks for a midnight snack at the White House, or snickering at photos of candidates testing out local fare on the campaign trail — Americans love to watch our lawmakers eat!
In Arkansas, farm groups have partnered with lawmakers to help furloughed or unemployed members of the military find on-the-farm jobs.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

STRAUSS CEO Henning Strauss joined us with a preview of “Meet Strauss: The Tool You Wear,” premiering live tonight at 7:30 ET — only on RFD Network and RFD+
FarmHER Chris Nellis and her daughters navigate loss while carrying on a 300-year farm legacy, milking cows in upstate New York.
USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg joined us with a recap of the Malaysia trade mission and a look at USDA’s broader trade strategy moving forward.
Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition shares how extreme winter weather is affecting the ag transportation network and what producers should keep in mind as conditions slowly improve.
Matt Brockman, Communications Director for the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, joined us with a look at how the legendary event is moving forward—weather and all.
Roger McEowen, with the Washburn School of Law, offers an in-depth look at two of the top legal issues of 202. Today, he walks through last year’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) ruling and “lawfare.”