Beef prices increased in March, with round steak and chuck roast both up 13 cents a pound. Bacon was six cents a pound more, while pork chops cost seven cents a pound less. Demand for meat products remains strong, despite a slowing economy and concerns of disease problems in Europe. Shoppers paid more for beef, dairy, grain-based foods and fruits and vegetables compared to March of last year, and paid less for pork and chicken. 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.
March February Item March February Ground beef, lb. Oatmeal 1.88 1.88 Roast beef, lb. 3.08 2.95 Cereal 2.61 2.61 Chuck roast, lb. 2.69 2.57 Peanut butter 1.93 1.91 Bacon 3.65 3.59 Spaghetti 1.03 0.96 Ham, lb. 1.65 1.97 Spaghetti sauce 1.86 1.85 Pork chops, lb.