Consumers can expect to shell out more for their Thanksgiving Day turkey, see rising beef and processed-food prices and even see changes at their favorite restaurants as the skyrocketing price of corn snakes through the economy.
The U. S. Department of Agriculture expects to see food prices rise as much as 4.5 percent in some categories, as prices for the remains of the drought-stricken corn crop have hit as much as $8 a bushel.
In Idaho, where corn fields are largely irrigated, the crop is in good shape. But demand for the product is high, drawing interest from out-of-state cattle operations looking to feed their herds.
Locavore, a restaurant in Southeast Boise’s Bown Crossing development, may revise some of its recipes to reduce corn and help hold the line on food costs, said chef-owner Christine Reid.
Dairies, which have been hard hit by rising feed prices in recent years, are getting hit again as corn prices increase. Some Idaho dairies are moving away from food mixtures that optimize milk production, because they are too expensive. That’s expected to lead to a reduction in milk production.
Cattle feed lots are also feeling the squeeze. Beef is selling at market for about $1.20 a pound, but costing up to $1.30 a pound to fill cattle out on feed lots.
Bill Roberts: 377-6408
