Why you should stock up on food - NOW
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Consider the latest USDA Crop Progress Reports
According to the USDA’s crop progress reports, weather issues persist in key U.S. growing areas. By the end of May, most crops were planted less than 10% to 20% than over the past five year average at this time of year. (* Link 3)
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It bears repeating: Stock up on FOOD.
Many people are busy preparing for "The end of the world as we know it," also known as "TEOTWAWKI." They're making undergound shelters, buying guns and ammunition, and heirloom seeds. But they're also buying lots of food and making rooms of food storage.
Many people consider these "Preppers " to be a bit crazy and perhaps overzealous. But even if you don't believe that the world as we know it will end any time soon, you might consider storing food anyway - to save money.
Prices generally tend to increase due to inflation, and this year will probably be no exception. But all one has to do is listen to people, and pay attention to the news, to know that there are many other factors contributing to higher food prices this year.
Of course the price of gas will cause an increase, as shipping costs go up; but also many fertilizers are made of petroleum products, so that costs more. Plus farmers need to pay more for the fuel to run their equipment.
The weather in most parts of the country has not been at optimum for planting or harvesting conditions. Certainly the flooding throughout the Mississippi River and all other tributaries affected has either killed planted crops, or stopped anything new from being planted. The food crops that were mostly affected were corn and rice (as well as oysters). Now the Missouri river is flooding as well, also affecting corn as well as wheat. Some experts are concerned that the flooding may also affect next year's planting as well! Not only do experts question the ability to plant the remainder of this year's crop, but they say the soil isn't likely to be ready for planting next year. (* Link 1)
The weather here in Wisconsin has been cold and rainy up until just a few days ago - inhibiting planting, especially for the corn farmers. Our local farm reporter mentioned on TV the other day that due to the potential corn shortage, by the time fall comes, some farmers may actually have to feed WHEAT to their dairy cows; this is very unusual. (By the way, since wheat is already going to be at a shortage, that will increase the wheat prices even more). (* Link 2)
Oh, and I've only mentioned US markets. Of course this is a global situation, with most other countries having their own food woes to add to the picture.
Find your local 'Bent and Dent' and really stock up on food, including cereals, flour products, rice, and canned vegetables. Sure, collecting gold and silver is great - but food prices appreciative in value as well. Consider FOOD for your next investment.
Check out a commentary by Lee Hague of the Patriot Action Network
Lee Hague of the Patriot Action Network has a blog which warns people of the upcoming rise in food prices. He advises that people stock up on canned foods, grains, sugar, and put meat in the freezer. Even if hard times do not come, then you'll still have lots of food to eat in either case. He's had grandparents who've lived through two world wars and the great depression, who had to live through hard times, and knew the value of storing and planning for the future. He suggests that we do the same.
See his blog post at: http://www.patriotactionnetwork.com/profiles/blogs/stock-up-on-food-while-you
- * Link 1
Flooding - Impact on Food Prices - ABC 17 News - * Link 2
Crops Still Not Making The Mark - The Farm Report with Pam Jahnke provides farm news, events, and agriculture reports for 12 Radio stations across Southern Wisconsin. - * Link 3
Read USDA Crop Progress Report: by May, 2011, 79% of corn planted. in addition to hundreds of recent farming and agriculture news articles. View up to date crop reports, livestock information and AG industry breaking news from farms.com. - Here's a map of the USA and various regions' average crop production
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That's a great point Agnes! Even if a person can only buy a few extra things at a time, it does help. The other day I bought 4 cans of mackerel (which I like as well as salmon), and a case (20 packages) of macaroni and cheese. Sure, that's not dried beans and rice, but comfort food has it's place in an emergency - and if there is no emergency, at least I bought at a good price.
Thanks for your praise and comment. :)
Agnes Penn 11 months ago
This is very wise. Bulk food buying is great, but if budgets don't allow for this buying an extra 5-10 cans in the weekly trip to the market also helps. Better safe than sorry. Many families have also lost their main source of income and because they stored food ahead they did not do without until a new job came along. Good article.