Mr. Wizard wrote:

> Just in case you haven't noticed that beef
> prices are rising, the wholesale prices quoted
> to me Thursday for my November deliveries
> are 30%-60% higher than the previous
> record highs this summer. After the first of
> the year they expect the prices to rise again.
> Hamburger will probably go to $4-$5 a pound.
> If anyone in your area is selling cheap roasts
> steaks or briskets go stock up on them now
> and fill your freezer.

Beef producers around here in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia are
happy about the prices they're getting. They're seeing nearly double
what they got last year this time. They attribute it to the US not
importing Canadian beef because of the BSE scare. One ag type in a
radio interview on the station my program is on said they were
expecting a 2 billion pound shortfall. Billion?

Ironically, the BSE business has prompted increased US beef exports to
countries that don't want even the hint of BSE-tainted meat.

Looks like pork, chicken and lamb will be the featured dinner specials
at Chez Pastorio for the foreseeable future. Lots of veggies, too. Go
to the peasant approach where beef is a flavoring agent rather than
center plate item.

Steak houses are going to have a tough time of it (no pun intended)
with these prices. Betcha we see a burst of menu creativity coming up.

Pastorio