Lamb prices skyrocket as Easter approaches

Folks planning a traditional Easter dinner might be surprised at the cost of one of its centerpieces this year.

Lamb prices are sky-high across the country, and it's due at least in part to more people making environmentally-conscious lifestyle changes.

Experts say more people are turning to lamb and sheep as eco-friendly alternatives to lawn mowers and artificial fertilizers. The increase in demand has put a strain on the industry, meaning higher prices at the supermarket.

"The supply of lamb effectively has been cut almost in half because a lot of the newborns are going to graze rather than into lamb production," said Mark Martin, owner of Nelson's Meat Market in Cedar Rapids.

Although more common in rural areas, experts say the practice has taken off significantly in the last five years.

Martin said lamb prices typically spike near holidays, but never came down after this past Christmas.

But the high prices haven't stopped some. On Friday afternoon, Nelson's had sold almost its entire supply of lamb.

"Those that like lamb definitely want lamb," Martin said. "Most people who want it are willing to pay the price."