Pork output last week declined 3.7% and was 2.9% less than the same week last year. Despite this, the USDA index of pork prices, the pork cutout, declined 1% to a five week low. Pork production is anticipated to seasonally decline during the next several months which should underpin the pork markets. However, any pork market appreciation this spring and summer could be tempered by consumers seeking alternative proteins, especially beef. Ham prices may remain engaging in the near term due to the early Easter this year.
| Product Description | Market Trend | Supplies | Price vs. Last Year |
| Live Hogs | Increasing | Ample | Lower |
| Sow | Decreasing | Ample | Higher |
| Belly (bacon) | Increasing | Good | Higher |
| Sparerib (4.25 lb & down) | Increasing | Good | Higher |
| Ham (20-23 lb) | Increasing | Good | Lower |
| Ham (23-27 lb) | Decreasing | Good | Lower |
| Loin (bone in) | Decreasing | Good | Lower |
| Baby Back Rib (1.75 lb & up) | Increasing | Good | Higher |
| Tenderloin (1.25 lb) | Decreasing | Good | Lower |
| Boston Butt, untrmd (4-8 lb) | Decreasing | Good | Lower |
| Picnic, untrmd | Decreasing | Good | Lower |
| SS Picnic, smoker trm. Box | Decreasing | Good | Lower |
| 42% Trimmings | Increasing | Good | Lower |
| 72% Trimmings | Decreasing | Good | Higher |
Market Report provided by:
American Restaurant Association ∙ www.americanrestaurantassociation.com
PO Box 51482, Sarasota, FL 34232 ∙ 941-379-2228