Source:  Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 4/25/11

U.S. meat prices are now expected to rise 6 percent to 7 percent in 2011, while poultry prices rise 2.5 percent to 3.5 percent, according to USDA’s latest forecast issued today. Just a month ago, used projected 2011 meat prices would climb 4.5 percent to 5.5 percent.

USDA predicted beef and veal prices will rise 7 percent to 8 percent in 2011, while pork prices will rise by 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent, compared to a year ago.

The year-on-year jump in beef and pork prices during March was even more startling: Beef and veal prices were up 12.2 percent, and pork prices were up 11.2 percent versus March 2010. Poultry prices in March rose 2.2 percent from March 2010.

During March, beef, veal and pork prices all increased by 2.3 percent from February, while poultry prices were unchanged.

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