Non-quizzable contribution from Kim:
While doing some research about urban farming in Baltimore City for another class I stumbled across some information relevant to topics we've learning in class.
"We remain committed to providing wholesome, local meat to our community and will do all in our power to keeps costs low and affordable. Feeder pigs have almost doubled in cost from 3 years ago. Pig feed, which is primarily corn and soybeans, has increased again. For those who are interested, corn was $2.50/bushel just 4-5 years ago. Because of corn use in ethanol and the droughts last year and this year, corn has shot to $9/bushel and is expected to go into the teens by the end of 2012. While our beef and lamb is grass fed, the price of cattle and sheep is set by the market, which in the US is based primarily on grain fed animals. Further price pressure comes from the supply side. The US beef herd is at its lowest level since 1957, about half of what it was just a few years ago. " http://www.genuinefoodmd.
--Kim Maier
