Market Update From the West Coast Meatheads
Beef
The harvest came in this week at 530k (last year 575k; 2013- 607k). Thin meats have become very scarce due to high demand and prices are all increasing. Flap still continues to increase the quickest with packers asking over $7/lb. Packers are well sold on flap meat through May so no immediate price relief is expected. All the middle meats continue to stay strong. The first to see some relief will be the rib meats in the upcoming weeks. The prime grade continues to lower and all cuts are moving up in price. Chucks and rounds remain steady with some specific cuts decreasing in price.
Chicken
Thighs and breast are steady into next week. WOGs are up a few cents.
Pork
Not much to report here as the market is stable. Supply is strong but demand will start to increase as we head into summer. Bellies and bacon are steady to up $.05 – $0.10.
Lamb
Supply is stable, but there are shorts on a few. Domestic prices are on the way down slightly with the East thawed out with racks, loins, shoulders and legs down $.05-$.25. Imported racks are going the other direction, rising slightly $.05-$.25.
Veal
Supply is short and prices are high. West Coast has not been shorted and is getting very good products at good pricing. This has helped to keep prices level or slightly down with minimal shortages.
Shrimp
Mexican wild large sizes are just about gone. West Coast should be in good shape to make it through the season. All other shrimp in good supply and pricing is steady to down.