inflation

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 ...

According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, the cost of a Thanksgiving dinner serving ten people is down slightly.  Bernt Nelson, AFBF economist, says their volunteer shoppers found the average cost for that dinner for ten will run $58.08, a yea...

The Agriculture Department is expecting at home food prices this year to increase by 1.2%, which is a slight increase from the 1% that USDA economists had expected.  USDA economist Meghan Schweitzer says prices for a couple of key food categories have been higher than expected, inching that rate up.   “...

Despite the red flags, we have great things about living in WA, too!

Many Democrat-sponsored spending bills are depending upon a significantly higher-than-expected revenue (income) forecast, but inflation could torpedo that.

The price of eggs is projected to fall dramatically after reaching record-high levels over several months.  The USDA said those prices should fall back to typical levels this year, provided the U.S. doesn’t see a rebound in highly pathogenic avian influenza cases in 2023.  The Bureau of...

A new survey finds consumers expect to pay more for groceries this year.  Progressive Grocer reports the 2023 KPMG Winter Consumer Pulse Survey shows consumers anticipate increased prices, but are looking for ways to save money.  The Survey shows consumers expect a 15% increase in grocery spending this year.  Meanwhi...

You may have noticed, while general inflationary numbers eased a bit last month, food prices continued their steady march higher in December.  General inflation slowed in December to 6.5% a year, down slightly from the 7% reported in November.  But USD...

The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced this week that the Producer Price Index for final demand declined 0.5% in December when seasonally adjusted.  The index measures the average change over time in the selling prices received by domestic producers for their output.  Final d...