Extreme dry conditions, increased cost of living and volatile pandemic-induced commodity markets have created a recipe for negative effects on bread prices. The baked goods industry has seen its share of supply chain issues just as many other products have experienced since 2020. Last spring flour was in high demand for cooped-up consumers which upped prices. This year, the historic droughts will likely cause bread prices to rise again as only 16% of the U.S. spring wheat crop is rated good-to-excellent — the worst conditions since 1988. Farmers have cited the importance of crop insurance during times of uncertain markets conditions and unpredictable weather. Read more about the challenges farmers are facing.