There was a slight increase in the cost of dairy products in February. Butter was five cents a pound more, while a pound of cheese and a gallon of milk increased only one cent. After an increase in beef prices in January, because of the heavy snow and cold temperatures in December and January, beef prices held about the same in February, except for chuck roast which was 18 cents a pound less. Shoppers paid more for beef, pork, dairy and fruits and vegetables compared to February of last year, and paid less for chicken and grain-based foods. Communities surveyed by Farm Bureau volunteer market reporters were Appleton, Ashland, Eau Claire, Fond du Lac, Grafton, Green Bay, Janesville, La Crosse, Ladysmith, Lancaster, Madison, Manitowoc, Marshfield, Medford, Mequon, Milwaukee, Oshkosh, Portage, Racine, Shawano, Sheboygan, Watertown, Waukesha, Wausau and West Bend.
Food prices vary based on location.
79.17 Market Basket Item Averages Item February January Item February January Ground beef, lb. Oatmeal 1.88 1.85 Roast beef, lb. 2.91 Cereal 2.61 2.58 Chuck roast, lb. 1.97 1.96 Spaghetti sauce 1.85 1.88 Pork chops, lb. 1.35 1.32 Chicken, fryer, lb.