inflation

Rabobank says food inflation continues to outpace overall inflation, and restaurants feel the pressure of nine straight quarters of declining traffic, but some chains are bucking the trend and growing in visits and spending.

Data shows that American farmers and ranchers are getting older.  American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall discussed this issue, as well as ways to address the problem, with the Senate Special Committee on Aging.   “According to the latest USDA Census of Agriculture, nearly 40% of all farmers are now beyond the retirement age, yet only 8% of farmers are under the age of 35," Duvall told la

The recent Consumer Price Index data for April shows a welcome moderation in overall inflation, cooling to its slowest annual rate since early 2021.  Despite that, many families continue to feel the pinch at the grocery store and dining out.   ...

Food-at-home prices increased in April at a 2% annual pace, down from 2.4% in March, according to Consumer Price Index data.  According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, across-the-board inflation ticked down last month to 2.3%, its lowest rate since February 2021.  It’...

Farm sector production expenses, including those associated with operator dwellings, are forecast to decrease by $13.4 billion, or 2.9% from $463.8 billion in 2024 to $450.4 billion in 2025 inflation-adjusted dollars.  That follows a projected decline of $20.9 bi...

A new report from CoBank says rapidly worsening expectations about everything from inflation to personal income to business conditions and labor supplies are elevating economic concerns in farm country.  The question of whether the declining expectations will translate into slower spending and tightening profit margins will likely come into view by late June.  ...

Grocery stores and gas pumps are important inflation indicators.  While inflationary concerns have been persistent in recent years, the back and forth regarding tariffs on Canada and Mexico, as well as the tariffs on Chinese goods, have prompted additional concerns about prices.   ...

According to the latest USDA Food Prices Outlook, food prices moved higher, both month-over-month and year-over-year.   "For all food prices increased by .2% in December and they were 2.5% higher than they were in December of 2023,” noted USDA economist Megan Sweitzer.  She added, when co...

Central Washington’s Dan Newhouse says now is a challenging time in farm country.  He said there are many things Washington D.C. can do to help growers and producers in this corner of the country.  Newhouse, a member of the House Ag Committee, said the farming industry is in desperate need of ag labor reform.   “And though the ...

Canada’s recent Food Price Report 2025 forecasts a rise in food prices between 3%-5%, pushing the average family of four’s annual food expenditure to $16,833.67, an increase of $800 from last year.  Though 2024 saw food prices grow more slowly than expected, affordability remains a major concern for Canadians as inflation continues to erode household budgets.  Despite easing...