HOUSTON — The American Farm Bureau Federation reported the average cost of a summer cookout for 10 people is $73.82 in 2026, not including alcohol. The report was released in Houston on July 2, 2026.

Overall meat prices have increased by more than 7.5% over the past year, according to the Consumer Price Index. Stew Leonard Jr., president and CEO of Stew Leonard's Grocery Stores, said, "The U.S. cattle herd is at the lowest level in 75 years." Leonard stated that farmers are facing higher operating costs for labor, insurance, and fuel, which contribute to increased prices for meat.

Ground beef prices have increased by 20.3% over the past year, while ice pop prices have risen by 22.3%, according to a Groundwork Collaborative analysis. Prepared potato salad costs 23% more than it did the previous year. Leonard noted that many shoppers are choosing chicken, pork, and ground beef over premium beef cuts due to affordability. "Demand has not gone down. People still want meat," Leonard said.