Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 8/25/14

USDA raised its price forecasts for pork and beef consumed at home in 2014, while restaurants appear to continue to refrain from boosting prices as much.

USDA now expects retail beef and veal prices to rise by 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent during 2014. Prices rose by 0.4 percent from June to July and have shot up 10.4 percent between July 2013 and last month.

Similarly, retail pork prices in 2014 are predicted to rise by 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent. Prices rose by 0.7 percent from June to July and have shot up 10.9 percent since July 2013.

USDA predicted retail poultry prices in 2014 would rise between 3 percent and 4 percent. Poultry prices rose 0.4 percent in June to July and have risen 2.7 percent since July 2013.

For 2015, USDA predicts beef, veal and pork prices will rise 3 percent to 4 percent while poultry prices rise 2.5 percent to 3.5 percent.

The cost of food consumed away from home is expected to rise 2.5 percent to 3.5 percent in 2014. Foodservice prices rose 0.3 percent from June to July and have risen 2.4 percent since July 2013. USDA forecasts 2015 food away from home prices will rise by 2 percent to 3 percent.

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