INDIANAPOLIS – Hoosiers paid 5 percent more this year than they did in 2024 for the fixings for a July 4th cookout for 10 people, according to the Indiana Farm Bureau (INFB).

This year’s average price for 12 items was $71.49, up from $68.33 last year, the organization said in a release. INFB’s grocery list consisted of ground beef, cheese, cookies, ice cream, strawberries, chips, chicken breast, pork chops, pork and beans, hamburger buns, lemonade and potato salad.

Nationwide, an American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) survey found the same 12 items were $70.92, down 30 cents from last year’s record-high cost. The cost for the items in 2023 was $67.73.

Regionally, the Midwest – including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Ohio – paid $69.87 this year, up from $68.26 in 2024, AFBF said. In the south – including Kentucky and Tennessee – the cost was $68.93, up 60 cents from last year. The most expensive region was the west at $73.50, down $7.38 from 2024.

“Inflation is slowing slightly, prices are leveling out and supply chain issues that have been prevalent for the last few years are slowly getting worked out, so we are seeing just a slight increase in prices compared to the last few years here in Indiana,” Dr. Todd Davis, INFB chief economist, said in a release.

In Indiana, ice cream and strawberries rose 31 percent and 19 percent respectively, and were the two items with the largest price increases over last year. Potato salad was up 14 percent and pork chops dropped 8 percent.

“When you’re shopping, look for the bargains on the protein side,” Davis said. “According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there’s more pork in cold storage so the prices you’re seeing at the supermarket are generally going to be a bit lower. Ground beef, on the other hand, our shoppers found the price to be just about the same as last year, which is encouraging because cattle herd numbers remain low across the country.”

Indiana’s survey was done in early June by volunteer shoppers. The shoppers were asked to look for the best possible prices, without taking advantage of special promotional coupons or purchase deals, INFB said.

The AFBF survey showed an increase in the cost of beef, potato salad and canned pork and beans nationwide, while pork chops, chips and hamburger buns dropped, the organization said.

“We can celebrate America’s independence every year in part because of the hard work of the farmers and ranchers who contribute to the nation’s food independence,” Zippy Duvall, AFBF president, said in a release. “Farmers are dedicated to doing the right thing, and their commitment to sustainable and innovative farming practices ensures a safe and abundant food supply for every family in America.”

The retail price the consumer pays isn’t always reflected at the farm gate, noted Dr. Christopher Pudenz, Iowa Farm Bureau economist. U.S. farmers get 16 cents of every retail food dollar spent, according to INFB.