The Crisis We Should Be Panicking About: Bacon Prices

[thundley4]

The global debt crisis has sparked riots in Greece and elsewhere in Europe, but while you were watching the mayhem on TV, you might not have noticed that there’s a riot brewing at your kitchen table.

Bacon prices are expected to soar this summer — just in time for peak BLT (bacon lettuce and tomato sandwich) season. BLT season goes into full swing in July across much of the country as tomatoes start to ripen and, if you’re like Jason Perlow, who writes the “Off the Broiler” blog, by August, BLT’s will have become “major meals” instead of just a quick lunch.

But this year, just as the U.S. is worrying about its own debt crisis and a possible "double-dip" recession, the price of bacon —that sizzling, smoky comfort food we most need during tough times — is expected to surge. The price of pork bellies, which is where bacon comes from, jumped to more than $130 per hundredweight (100 pounds), and some analysts suggest it’s going to top last August’s level of $150.

“It’s going to be pretty tragic when you have your fresh ripe tomatoes and can’t have bacon for your BLT,” said Jason Mosley, author of the Mr. Bacon Pants blog and co-star of the “Bacon Live” podcast.

The reason for surging bacon prices is that hog farmers have pared their herds due to high feed costs after corn prices hit a record near $8 a bushel last month. Retail bacon prices hit $4.77 a pound in May, according to the Labor Department, and Rich Nelson, director of research at Allendale, told Reuters that it could reach near $6 a pound in the next few months.

Riots in the streets.

This is getting serious. It's time to end the damn ethanol subsidies now. Walmart used to have bacon on sale , 2 1 pound packages @ $5.  I have not seen it under $3.50/lb for quite some time.

[IassaFTots]

I have seen the same thing.  And it disturbs me a great deal.

[NHSparky]

I buy the 2-24oz packages of bacon at BJ's.  Total of 3 lbs, now $10.50 or so for a price of $3.50/lb.

That same bacon was a dollar per pound cheaper six months ago.

[Eupher]

I've not seen this "crisis" as I've still got maybe 10 lbs. of bacon left in the freezer from the last hog we'd had butchered maybe 6-8 months ago or so.

We don't eat a lot of bacon these days, so I expect it to last awhile longer.

[NHSparky]

I'll be over to pick it up tomorrow.

[Eupher]

I'll be over to pick it up tomorrow.

Just one caveat - ya gotta eat it here.

And we serve it only one way -- raw.

[NHSparky]

Just one caveat - ya gotta eat it here.

And we serve it only one way -- raw.

That's okay, I'll bring my BBQ and wrap it around some shrimp, scallops, steaks, etc.

[Eupher]

That's okay, I'll bring my BBQ and wrap it around some shrimp, scallops, steaks, etc.

That'll work. 

[compaqxp]

Based on what you've all posted, bacon prices are significantly lower up here. 

[Chris_]

Based on what you've all posted, bacon prices are significantly lower up here. 

Yeah, but it's Canadian bacon.

[compaqxp]

Yeah, but it's Canadian bacon.

With means it's better...far, far better. 

[thundley4]

With means it's better...far, far better. 

Only if you are talking about putting it on pizza.

[IassaFTots]

Only if you are talking about putting it on pizza.

Or Eggs Benedict.

[Chris_]

With means it's better...far, far better. 

No, that just means it's ham.

[Chris_]

Only if you are talking about putting it on pizza.

I've put real bacon on pizza before (I prefer mine crispy and well-done).  It's awesome.

[thundley4]

Or Eggs Benedict.

Canadian bacon also works on homemade "egg McMuffins" .

I've put real bacon on pizza before (I prefer mine crispy and well-done).  It's awesome.

Crumbled up like Bac'n Bits, it ain't bad on pizza.

[Chris_]

Gay bacon strips