Market Update From the West Coast Meatheads
Beef
The past few weeks have seen tenders come off significantly and it appears tenders have reached a bottom. Export ribs will continue to come off into early January. Striploins have become in short supply and this market will be increasing into January. Chucks/rounds/thin meats are also starting to strengthen and prices will start to trend up. Packers are having to pay higher prices for cattle going into next week, so aside from ribs, the overall beef market is strengthening as we get into 2015.
Chicken
Large WOGs are in short supply and prices are increasing for next week. Breast meat appears to be at its annual lows and no changes are expected during early January.
Pork
Bacon has been steady the last few weeks moving up or down as much as a dime. Pork racks, ribs and loins have been steady with increases/decreases around a dime as well.
Lamb
Racks, loins and rounds have increased anywhere from $0.10 – $0.25 cents. Legs increased about $0.25 for the holidays.
Veal
Everything continues to rise. Bones are up $0.10 – $0.20 cents and bone exports hit near $20.00. From Dutch Valley – Loins, rounds increased between $0.10 and $0.50 cents
Seafood
Lobster is up about $0.20 cents. U10 and U12 shrimp are not in great supply so prices are high still. U15 are available but higher than last season. 16/20 much more readily available and priced better.