Meat Prices Fluxuating With Father's Day, Fourth Of July Ahead

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- If you're going to be grilling out as we officially start summer on Father's Day or are getting ready for the Fourth of July, expect certain meats to be more expensive.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture released new numbers Thursday on meat prices. Beef overall is up about 60 cents to $6.05 per pound. That's compared to about $5.46 per pound last spring. Ground beef is up about 30 cents per pound compared to this time last year, with lean and extra lean beef up about 85 cents.

Officials say sirloin steak is also up to about $1.23 per pound, compared to this time last year.

It's not all bad news. Pork chops are down about 30 cents per pound, and chicken breasts are down about 7 cents compared to May 2014. Bacon is also down about $1.10.