Poor Wheat Crop May Raise Food Prices | Personal Finance

A poor wheat crop in the United States may lead to higher food prices in the coming months.

Farmers are having a very hard year. Dry weather, very hot and cold days, high fuel costs and plant diseases have hurt wheat fields across the country.

Experts say the wheat harvest could be the smallest since 1972. The total wheat crop is expected to be 21% lower than last year.

Wheat is used to make many foods that people eat every day. These foods include bread, flour, pasta, cereal and other baked items.

Because there is less wheat the cost of wheat may go up. Food companies may then pay more to make their products. Some of these higher costs could be passed on to shoppers.

Experts do not expect a sudden jump in prices. Instead, food prices may slowly rise over time.

The impact may not stop with bread and pasta. Wheat and other grains are also used to feed farm animals. Higher feed costs can make it more expensive to raise cows, pigs and chickens. This could affect the prices of meat, eggs and milk.

Many families are already paying more for groceries. The smaller wheat crop may add more pressure to household budgets.

Experts say wheat is only one part of food costs. Still, the poor harvest is another reason why shoppers may see higher grocery bills in the future.