MOOSE JAW — A recent study by Statistics Canada outlined the average changes in meat prices in Canada from last year.
Beef prices increased in the double digits while pork cuts fell in the upper single digits to the lower double digits.
Chicken prices show minor reductions or increases.
Beef stewing prices averaged $19.33 a kilogram for a 15.8 per cent increase.
One kilogram equals 2.2 pounds.
Largest increase for a cut was beef ribs, up 63.7 per cent to $39.01 a kilogram, while beef strip loin followed at $35 for a 26.8 per cent increase.
Ground beef rose 16.8 per cent to $13.35 a kilogram.
According to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, calf prices in early May averaged $5.62 a pound or $2,248 for a 400-pound animal.
Beef prices will likely start retreating in a year or two as American cattle herds are rebuilt from the lowest level since the 1950s. Years of drought caused herd reduction and price increases.
Among pork cuts, loin fell 8.4 per cent to $8.72 a kilogram; pork ribs fell 10.6 per cent to $8.35, while pork shoulder dropped 19.7 per cent to $7.23 a kilogram.
Wieners fell a mere six cents a kilogram to $4.07.
Whole chicken fell 8.4 per cent to $6.01 a kilogram.
Among pieces, breasts increased 1.2 per cent to $13.99 a kilogram; thighs were up 1.3 per cent to $11.03, and drumsticks were up three cents to $6.21.
Salmon was down 1.5 per cent to $25.56 a kilogram.
Ron Walter can be reached at [email protected]
