Extreme Weather Impacts Food Prices

Santa Barbara- Millions of American families will be feeling a jolt as the cost of meat, dairy and bakery products are expected to rise significantly by the end of the year. The spike is due to the extreme heat and drought conditions throughout the nation. Top economists say the price of virtually every item in the American grocery cart will be impacted. Local growers are not seeing much of an impact, but elsewhere the skyrocketing price of corn is crippling many farmers. The USDA says beef prices will be going up by about 4-5%, with similar hikes with dairy and poultry. Even chickens are struggling in the extreme heat, as farmers say hot chickens produce fewer eggs.The Agriculture Secretary says while the federal government’s tools are limited, they will be providing as much assistance as it can. KEY News Reporter Shirin Rajaee reports.