Bacon shortage possible, prices to rise

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - Say it isn't so... there could soon be a major shortage of bacon.

That is because drought conditions in the U.S. that destroyed corn and soybean crops have also made it too expensive for farmers to feed their pigs. They, therefore, have reduced their herds.

Larry Katz from Arnold's Meats in Chicopee told 22News that this might affect people going out to eat.

“Especially with restaurants, they will buy what we call ‘layout bacon.’ They buy 15-pound sheets and we average, I would say about 20-thousand pounds a week of bacon,” he said.

Arnold's says bacon supplies could drop 10-15% in the next year, and the price per pound might increase a few cents.