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Stocking Up

July 7th, 2012 at 03:34 pm

I live in Central Illinois. If you do not live in the Midwest and haven't watched the news, we are in drought conditions. Last night they said 56% of the country is in drought.

The corn fields around here are pitiful. It has tassled and we have had no rain. The leaves have curled and many plants are stunted in growth.

No, I'm not a farmer...I'm telling you this to tell you the next part.

I'm stocking up. We went to Aldi yesterday and I bought some bottles of oil, and some extra crackers, flour, and sugar. I predict grocery prices are going to skyrocket because of the corn crop. Today I'm buying corn meal to put in the freezer. The sugar and flour went into the freezer as well. I might even buy a little more beef to put in the freezer, but it doesn't keep THAT long.

The reason I bought some of these items...well here is my reasoning. Sugar -- I believe the price of sugar will go up because many things are made from high fructose corn syrup. When there isn't as much corn to make this corn syrup, sugar will be used and the demand will increase.

Flour -- people will start using flour in place of corn products.

Oil -- a lot of vegetable oils are made from corn and the lack of corn...well you get the picture.

As for beef, well, the price will probably go up because the price of corn will go up to feed those cattle.

Also on the national news was with the extreme heat, cows aren't giving as much milk...I wonder if we will see an increase in dairy products as well.

My pantry isn't bulging by any means, but I thought I'd pick up a few extra things to ofset major jumps in the coming weeks.

6 Responses to “Stocking Up”

  1. Miz Pat Says:
    1341721669

    smart move!

  2. marvholly Says:
    1341741910

    I live in metro Chicago.

    I have already laid out an Aldi stock up trip that, like you, includes oil. I also plan on hitting up my 2 baker(bread) outlet stores this week.

    Remember, this weather is also affecting soy so if you are even a sometime veggie or use soy based oil it is also a stock up item(s).

  3. Jerry Says:
    1341782394

    I have been reading about this heat wave and drought, and it leads me to remember how hot it can get in the Midwest. AND humid. Ouch. I hope that the power stays on, and that you have some insurance of staying comfortable in this tough situation.
    Jerry

  4. LuckyRobin Says:
    1341802012

    Hmm...I've worked pretty hard to eliminate most corn from our diets that isn't actual corn or real corn meal, but I hadn't considered it might drive up the cost of sugar or flour or other oils. Although I only buy organic flour which is already a limited commodity so that part might not affect me, but I will definitely pick up a couple gallons of canola oil and a couple 25 pound bags of sugar. Going into canning season I do not want to have to shell out big bucks for sugar! Fortunately eating grass fed beef means that won't affect beef prices for me. You didn't mention chicken, though. Most chicken are fed predominately corn with a bit of soy. Cows can at least eat hay, but chickens don't have real substitutes. Even pastured chickens are supplemented with corn. So I'd stock up on chicken as well, if you're that worried.

  5. rob62521 Says:
    1341846345

    Thanks, Jerry, for the concern. I hope the same thing.

    LuckyRobin...you are right about the chicken...thanks for the insight.

    Marvholly...good thinking!

    Thanks for the validation, MizPat!

  6. SicilyYoder Says:
    1341941315

    I love Aldi. I use their extra virgin olive oil.

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