Since the price increases predicted will affect all pork products they will put a crimp in our budget, although we don't expect that there won't be adequate supplies in our area - for those who can still afford it(?).

In most recent times pork in general has been about half the price of beef here - per pound, and while it's difficult to cook cheap beef so that it's tender enough to be enjoyed by those of us with no teeth at all, any idiot can cook most pork without turning it into something indestructible.

But there's always chicken for a backup.

Bacon (the US kind) is sort of a special case since it's quick and easy (until the smoke breaks out 'cause you didn't pay attention) when you just need a snack.

At present, there's probably actually a glut of pork on hand at the processors, since lots of farmers have been selling them off prematurely due to the high cost (and unavailability) of feed. It doesn't seem to be reflected in current prices though, so the processors must be saving it all for later.

John