We don't eat much red meat. There is seafood and poultry served at the BamaVol table, and quite a number of meat-free meals. We also dine out frequently - usually on fresh local seafood. So imagine my surprise recently when I shopped for something different.

First was a package of hamburger a week ago. I looked for relatively low fat content (I know it has less flavor but really need to keep the meals lean for the sake of my waistline) and a package of 4 pre-made 10% fat burgers was $10. I think the weight was around 1.2 lbs. The last time I bought hamburger, I would swear it was half the price.

The second shock came Friday. I though lamb would be a nice change of pace and with Easter it should be plentiful. A 2 lb partial leg was $40. I was again expecting something about half the price.

I did buy the hamburger but passed on the lamb in favor a small ham at around $6 a pound.

When did this hyper-inflation strike the red meat business and what is behind it? Enquiring minds want to know.