Meat Prices Rise in Wisconsin - Cookouts Cost More in 2025

By Blake Jackson

Wisconsin residents are feeling the pinch at the grocery store this summer, with higher meat prices pushing up the cost of a traditional cookout.

According to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s annual market survey, a meal meant to serve 10 people now costs $69.03 up 4 percent compared to 2024.

Although the total remains slightly below the record $69.74 set in 2022, this year’s increase marks a reversal of recent downward trends, largely driven by rising protein costs.

Ground beef prices in Wisconsin jumped significantly, with 2 pounds averaging $11.85 a nearly 7 percent increase from last year. That’s a sharper rise than the national average, which saw an increase of just over 4 percent.

Nationwide, beef prices hit a record in May and are expected to stay elevated due to a reduced cattle supply. Brenda Boetel, professor of agricultural economics at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, explained that a lack of profitability in past years led to fewer beef cattle being raised.

“It gets tighter to begin with, before it can grow,” Boetel said. “We’re kind of in that stage right now where we’re starting to see that it’s going to get tighter because we don’t want to put those animals in a feedlot.”

Boetel noted that rebuilding herds takes time, as producers must retain calves for breeding rather than processing. Despite the higher prices, she said demand for beef remains strong, especially during grilling season.

“They’re not concerned that they’re not going to have a job tomorrow, so then they can feel safe in buying that beef product,” she added.

Pork prices also rose in Wisconsin, with 3 pounds of pork chops up 4 percent. However, the national average saw pork prices drop nearly 9 percent, suggesting greater availability in stores elsewhere.

Chicken breast prices in Wisconsin also edged upward, averaging $8.94 for 2 pounds more than a dollar above the national average. Prices for both chicken and eggs had spiked earlier this year due to avian influenza, but supplies are now improving.

“That’s taking into account that chicken populations are kind of recovering from avian influenza all across the country,” said Cassie Sonnentag communications director of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau.

Nationally, the average July Fourth cookout cost was $70.92, down slightly from last year but still 19 percent higher than five years ago.

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