The Fear Of Rising Meat Prices

When it comes to buying meat, many people don't want to cut corners. But as prices rise, many worry the drought will keep them climbing.

Jim Schrank is always trying to find the best deal.  But lately that's been difficult.

"Well yeah, it is because we've got to buy it. And you can't find a better price, I mean, it's all about the same," Schrank said.

And because Schrank's hearing prices will rise even higher, he's stocking up and buying in bulk.

"Well, I have thought about buying a quarter of a beef here because they are cheaper than anybody. Their rate for a quarter of a beef is really good, where others I have seen are twice or more than twice as what they want," Schrank said.

Meat Lodge owner Brandon Howell suggests just that, stocking up.

"I think it is a good idea if you have the freezer space and the money to put some things away because you just never know what will happen," Howell said.

Howell says prices are following the normal trends right now.  But come this winter, he says things will change.

"I think that trend will stay the same, but I think that trend will be historically higher than it has been," Howell said.

But Schrank doesn't anticipate that will change sales much.

"Well you are always going to buy meat, you know.  It's just like gas. No matter what the price of it is, you are going to buy it," Schrank said.

Howell says like in other years, prices will increase within the next few months.  But as with everything, at some point, we will see those prices go back down.  For now though, it's just a waiting game.