Market Update From the West Coast Meatheads
Beef
Cattle prices finished the week at $167-$168 ($152 last year at this time) and the weekly kill was at approximately 525k head (586k last year). These factors continue to keep prices strong. Middles continue to lead the charge. Strips have really started to gain strength over these past two weeks and this will continue through spring into summer. Buying is taking place on tenders in anticipation for the Mother’s Day and prices are increasing. All middles are pretty well sold at the packer level. Ribs have been on quite the run and are approaching 2014 holiday highs and should begin to level off as we pass Easter. Prime continues to tighten as the grade begins to lower into the spring. Rounds are one bright spot with XT Insides having price decreases.
Chicken
Breast has temporarily leveled off and will be steady into next week. WOGS are steady and thighs are up a few cents.
Pork
Market bottomed out 2 weeks ago. Bellies and bacon up 10 cents. Racks, loins up 10-25 cents. Ribs and butts up 10 cents.
Lamb
Seasonal price increases happened this week. Legs are up around 20-50 cents. Shoulders are up 25-45 cents. Racks and loins are steady. Hopefully we can expect some relief in the next few weeks.
Veal
Bones and demi glaze are short again. Top rounds are short. Racks and loins steady.
Shrimp
No change. Mexican wild in large sizes are scarce and expensive. Imported and smaller Mexican farmed products continue to come down 10-15 cents.