After nearly getting there on June 24 of this year, the June 2009 Lean Hog Futures contract on the CME closed above $100 today. It opened trading in mid April of this year in the high $80s. If that price holds, it represents a near doubling of the carcass price for hogs since January of this year.
Don't worry though, we are constantly reminded that such a small percentage of commodity costs roll into the final retail price that you will probably not even notice this impact for the summer barbeque season next year.
As for me, I'm still on the "buy the biggest freezer you can afford and fill it now" kick but you can wait if you like. Try to get the cryovac type packaging if you take my strategy, it freezes well for a lot longer than the typical cellophane wrapped cuts.
If you are an equal opportunity carnivore like me, you may want to have one freezer for beef and one for pork.
