As Iowans gather to celebrate 250 years of independence this Fourth of July, they will find a meal for 10 people costs an average of $73.82, according to the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation's annual marketbasket survey.

The cost is up $2.90, or about 4%, from 2025, tracking a 4.2% rise in overall U.S. inflation.

While it is the most expensive cookout since tracking began in 2016, prices have remained relatively stable when adjusted for inflation in recent years.

Volunteer shoppers nationwide reported prices in early June for cookout staples including cheeseburgers, chicken breasts, pork chops, potato salad ingredients, baked beans, ice cream and lemonade. Ten of 12 items increased in price.

Eggs saw the largest drop at 17.8% due to fewer avian influenza cases, while ground beef rose 5.5% and pork chops 4.7%. Iowa ranks first in egg and pork production and fourth in cattle on feed.

"Modest price increases for ground beef and pork chops reflect just how much American consumers love beef and pork," said Christopher Pudenz, Iowa Farm Bureau economist.

"Many Iowa farmers raise both crops and livestock, so given the multiyear downturn in the row-crop economy, it has been a godsend that demand for Iowa's red meat products remains so strong."

The Iowa Farm Bureau's 2026 Food and Farm Index, conducted by The Harris Poll, found 1 in 5 Iowa shoppers increased consumption of animal-based proteins in the past year, with a one-third increase among ages 20-34.

"While domestic demand is important and appreciated by farmers, global market forces and trade dynamics are also critically important," Pudenz said. "That's why Iowa Farm Bureau is bringing this topic front and center at our upcoming Economic Summit on July 17 in Ankeny."

U.S. Department of Agriculture data shows farmers receive less than 6 cents of every $1 spent on food, with the rest going to processing, packaging and transportation.

"As the general population feels the impact of inflation, so do the farmers who are price takers - not price makers," said Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson.

"That's why an updated farm bill and risk management tools are critical in helping family farms during times of hardship and to protect food security for our nation."

More information on the cookout cost survey is available at fb.org.