As Iowans prepare for Independence Day celebrations, new data from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) shows the average cost of a July Fourth cookout for 10 people is $70.92.

Just 30 cents below last year’s record high of $71.22, this year’s survey marks the second-highest cookout cost since AFBF began the annual survey in 2013. 

In the Midwest, the average cost for the same gathering is $69.87.

Items surveyed include cheeseburgers, chicken breasts, pork chops, homemade potato salad, pork and beans, ice cream, lemonade and more. Among the items in this year’s marketbasket, pork chops saw the largest price drop at 8.8%, while canned pork and beans had the biggest increase at 8.2%. Ground beef—often the centerpiece of a summer cookout—rose 4.4%.

“While tariffs can impact prices on manufactured goods like canned items, the prices of Iowa-grown commodities like pork and beef tend to reflect supply and demand cycles,” said Dr. Christopher Pudenz, Iowa Farm Bureau economist. “For example, the U.S. cattle herd remains historically low, which limits supply and continues to push ground beef prices higher. It takes time to rebuild inventory, so even as demand grows, the market remains tight.”

Pork prices, by contrast, have declined due to abundant supply. This also means some retailers may lean on pork promotions to offer shoppers a more affordable protein option.

Food costs continue to weigh heavily on Iowa consumers. According to Iowa Farm Bureau’s 2025 Food & Farm Index®, a survey conducted by The Harris Poll, eight in 10 Iowa grocery shoppers are concerned about regulations that increase the cost of food. Nearly half (47%) indicated they are very concerned—more than double the number from 2021 (21%). Cost also remains the most important factor for Iowa grocery shoppers when purchasing meat, poultry and dairy products. 

Pudenz noted, however, when it comes to retail prices, what the consumer pays isn’t always reflected at the farm gate. According to USDA data, the farmers’ share of the U.S. dollar is just 15 cents while the remaining goes toward processing, packaging and transportation. Despite that, Iowa farmers remain resilient, continuing to meet demand and provide a stable food supply.

“The Fourth of July is, of course, a celebration of our freedom but also a celebration of the American spirit, one embodied by our nation’s farmers,” Pudenz said. “Despite challenges like rising costs and weather impacts, Iowa farmers continue to do what they’ve always done—work hard, adapt and provide for American families.”

More information on American Farm Bureau’s July Fourth basket survey, including information on all priced items, can be found at fb.org.