Beef, Veal and Lamb Report Beef, Veal & Lamb Beef output last week declined 5.4% and was a whopping 8.7% less than the same week a year ago. This is due in part to challenging weather and deteriorating margins for beef packers. Cattle slaughter last week was the second smallest for any non-holiday week since the spring of 2005. Despite all of this, the beef markets have continued to depreciate with the USDA choice boxed beef cutout falling 8% during the last week. Forward beef sales are trending 20% below last year which suggests that retailers will be featuring other proteins in the coming months. Still, this could cause some volatility in beef prices once beef demand seasonally escalates during the spring. Price USDA, FOB per pound. Live Cattle (Steer) Decreasing Good Higher Ground Beef 81/19 Decreasing Good Higher Ground Chuck Decreasing Good 109 Export Rib (choice) Increasing Good Higher Higher 109 Export Rib (prime) Increasing Good Higher 112a Ribeye (choice) Decreasing Good Lower 112a Ribeye (prime) Increasing Good Higher 116 Chuck (choice) Decreasing Good Higher 120 Brisket (choice) Decreasing Good Higher 121c Outside Skirt (ch/sel.) Decreasing Good Lower 167a Knckle, Trimmed (choice) Decreasing Good Higher 168 Inside Round (choice) Decreasing Good Higher 174 Short Loin (choice 0x1) Decreasing Good Lower 174 Short Loin (prime 2x3) Decreasing Good Higher 180 1x1 Strip (choice) Decreasing Good Higher 180 1x1 Strip (prime) Increasing Good Lower 180 0x1 Strip (choice) Decreasing Good Higher 184 Top Butt, boneless (choice) Decreasing Good Lower 184 Top Butt, boneless (prime) Increasing Good Lower 185a Sirloin Flap (choice) Decreasing Good Higher 185c Loin, Tri-Tip (choice) Decreasing Good Higher 189a Tender (select, 5 lb & up) Decreasing Good Higher 189a Tender (choice, 5 lb &up) Decreasing Good Higher 189a Tender (prime, heavy) Decreasing Good Higher 193 Flank Steak (choice) Decreasing Good Lower 50% Trimmings Decreasing Good Higher 65% Trimmings Decreasing Good Lower 75% Trimmings Increasing Good Higher 85% Trimmings Increasing Good Higher 90% Trimmings Decreasing Good Higher 90% Imported Beef (frozen) Decreasing Good Lower Veal Rack (Hotel 7 rib) Steady Good Higher Veal Top Round (cap off) Decreasing Good Higher
Oil and Grains Report Oil & Grains- Oil, Grains, Misc.- The U.S. winter wheat crop is being hampered by dry weather and cold temperatures. Modestly higher wheat prices could be forthcoming. Prices USDA, FOB. Soybeans Increasing Good Lower Crude Soybean Oil Increasing Good Lower Soymeal Increasing Good Higher Corn Increasing Good Lower Crude Corn Oil Steady Good Lower Distillers Grain, Dry Increasing Good Lower Crude Palm Oil Steady Good Lower Hard Red Winter Wheat Increasing Good Lower Dark Northern Spring Wheat Increasing Good Lower High Fructose Corn Syrup Increasing Good Lower Durum Wheat Steady Good Lower
Dairy Report Dairy - The cheese markets continue to trade at elevated levels. However, the CME cheese markets are now pricing at levels which is discouraging export sales. Further, domestic cheese and milk buyers are limiting purchases for immediate needs in anticipation of lower cheese and milk prices in the coming weeks. March cheese futures are pricing roughly a $.35 discount versus the existing CME spot cheese block market. The butter market has remained historically inflated as well. Butter prices usually soften during the month of February. Prices per pound, except Class I Cream hundred weight from USDA. Cheese Barrels- CME Increasing Good Higher Cheese 40 lb Blocks- CME Decreasing Good Higher American Cheese Increasing Good Higher Cheddar Cheese Increasing Good Higher Mozzarella Cheese Increasing Good Higher Provolone Cheese Increasing Good Higher Parmesan Cheese Increasing Good Higher Butter- One lb Solids Decreasing Good Higher Nonfat Dry Milk Decreasing Good Higher Whey, Dry Increasing Good Lower Class I Milk Base Steady Good Higher Class II Cream (Heavy Cream) Decreasing Good Higher Class III Milk- CME Decreasing Good Higher Class IV Milk- CME Decreasing Good Higher
Pork Report Pork- Pork production last week declined 3.9% from the prior week due in a large part to challenging weather conditions. Still, pork output last week was 1.5% more than the same week last year. Hog supplies are backing up and hog weights as of late have been trending 3% plus above a year ago. This could lead to better pork output and modestly lower pork prices in the near term. Still, a PEDv shortened hog supply could be bullish for pork prices this spring. Prices USDA, FOB per pound. Live Hogs Increasing Good Lower Belly (bacon) Increasing Good Lower Spare Rib (4.25 & down) Decreasing Good Higher Ham (23-27 lb) Increasing Good Higher Loin (bone-in) Increasing Good Higher Baby Back Rib (1.75 & up) Increasing Good Higher Tenderloin (1.25 lb) Decreasing Good Higher Boston Butt, untrimmed 4-8 lb. Decreasing Good Higher Picnic, untrimmed Decreasing Good Higher SS Picnic, smoker trim boxed Decreasing Good Higher 42% Trimmings Decreasing Good Lower 72% Trimmings Increasing Good Higher
Canned Tomato Report Tomato Products, Canned- Canners are contracting tomato crop supplies for the 2014 harvest. The average base price for canners is expected to rise 18% versus 2013. The canned tomato markets are firm. Prices per case (6/10) FOB, unless noted from ARA. Whole Peeled Standard Steady Good Same Diced, Fancy Steady Good Same Ketchup, 33% Steady Good Same Tomato Paste- Ind. Steady Good Same
Poultry Report Poultry- Chicken production for the week ending January 25th declined 5% and was 1.7% less than the same week a year ago. 2014 chicken output is trending just.5% above last year. Recent broiler egg set data suggests that better chicken production gains should be pending. The six week moving average for broiler egg sets is tracking 2% above 2013. This points to chicken output trending near 3% above last year during February. Despite the relatively lethargic chicken production in January, the chicken breast markets have been flat. Usually the chicken breast markets modestly firm during the first several weeks of the year. Higher chicken breast prices are anticipated this spring but the markets should remain well below the previous year. Lower chicken wing prices are anticipated this month. Prices USDA, FOB per pound except when noted. Whole Chicken (2.5-3 lb-ga) Steady Good Higher Chicken Wings, Whole Decreasing Good Lower Chicken Wings, Jumbo Cut Increasing Good Lower Chicken Breast, Bone-In Decreasing Good Lower Chicken Breast, Bnless Sknless Increasing Good Higher Chicken Tender (random) Steady Good Higher Chicken Tender (sized) Steady Good Higher Chicken Legs (whole) Decreasing Good Lower Chicken Leg Quarters Decreasing Good Lower Chicken Thighs, bone in Decreasing Good Lower Chicken Thighs, boneless Increasing Good Lower Large Eggs Increasing Good Lower Medium Eggs Increasing Good Higher Whole Eggs- Liq Steady Good Higher Egg Whites- Liq Increasing Good Higher Egg Yolks- Liq Decreasing Good Lower Whole Turkey (8-16 lb) Increasing Good Higher Turkey Breast- Bnls/Sknls Decreasing Good Higher
Seafood Report Seafood Snow crab leg prices remain relatively inflated. The U.S. Bering Sea snow crab fishing season is progressing with 35% of the quota landed to date. However, the 2013-14 Bering sea snow crab quota is down 18.6% from the previous season and the smallest in four years. Fairly firm snow crab leg prices are expected to endure in February. Prices for fresh product, unless noted, per pound from Fisheries Market News. Salmon, Whole (10-12 lb) n/a Good n/a Catfish, Filets n/a Good n/a Trout, Drn. (8-14 oz) n/a Good n/a Shrimp (16-20 count) Decreasing Good Higher Shrimp (61-70 count) Increasing Good Higher Shrimp, Tiger (26-30 count) Decreasing Good Higher Snow Crab Legs (5-8 oz) Steady Good Higher Snow Crab Legs (8 oz up) Steady Good Higher Cod Tails, 3-7 oz. Frz. Steady Good Lower Cod Loins, 3-12 oz. Frz. Steady Good Lower Salmon Portions, 4-8 oz. Frz. Steady Good Higher
Bean, Rice, Coffee and Sugar Report Pinto Beans Decreasing Good Higher Black Beans Steady Good Higher Rice, Long Grain Increasing Good Higher Coffee Beans Increasing Good Lower Sugar Increasing Good Lower Honey Steady Good Higher Paper Product Report Wood Pulp (paper) NBSK- Paper napkin Increasing Good Higher 42 lb. Linerboard-corrugated box Decreasing Good Lower Plastic Resins (plastic, foam) PS-CHH-utensils, cups, to-go cont. Steady Good Higher PP-HIGP-heavy grade utensils Increasing Good Lower PE-LLD-can liners, film, bags Steady Good Higher Retail Price Change from Prior Month Dec-13 Nov-13 Oct-13 Beef and Veal Increasing Increasing Increasing Dairy Increasing Increasing Decreasing Pork Decreasing Decreasing Increasing Chicken Increasing Decreasing Increasing Fresh Fish and Seafood Decreasing Increasing Increasing Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Decreasing Decreasing Increasing
Processed Fruits and Vegetables Report Processed Fruits and Vegetables - 2014 farmer- processor contracting plans and negotiations are in the works for processed vegetables. The processed vegetable markets remain steady. Prices per case (6/10) FOB, unless noted from ARA Canned 6/10 Corn, Fancy Whole Kernel Steady Good Same Green Beans, Fancy 4 sv Steady Good Same Green Peas, Fancy 4 sv/blend Steady Good Same Frozen Corn, Cob 96 count Steady Good Same Corn, Kernel 12/2.5 lb. Steady Good Same Green Beans, Cut 12/2 lb. Steady Good Same Green Peas, 12/2.5 lb. Steady Good Same Potatoes, FF Fancy, 6/5 lb. Steady Good Same
Produce Report Produce- Tomato supplies have been limited due to adverse weather in recent weeks. Tomato shipments from Florida last week fell modestly and were 15% less than the same week a year ago. Tomato supplies may remain erratic for the next few months due to damage from last week's cold weather in Florida. Thus, the tomato markets could be erratic as well through the winter. The potato markets are relatively steady. Usually the Idaho potato markets firm in the coming months. The five year average move for the 70 count Idaho potato market during the next eight weeks is 26% higher. Prices USDA FOB shipping point unless noted (terminal). Limes (150 count) Increasing Good Higher Lemons (95 count) Steady Good Higher Lemons (200 count) Steady Good Higher Honeydew (6 ct.) Increasing Good Higher Cantaloupe (15 count) Steady Good Lower Blueberries (12 count) Increasing Good Higher Strawberries (12 pints) Decreasing Good Higher Avocados, Hass (48 count) Decreasing Good Higher Bananas (40 lb)-term. Increasing Good Higher Pineapple (7 ct.)- Term. Decreasing Good Higher Idaho Potato (60 count) Decreasing Good Higher Idaho Potato (70 count) Decreasing Good Higher Idaho Potato (70 count)-term. Decreasing Good Higher Idaho Potato (90 count) Decreasing Good Higher Idaho Potato #2 (6 oz. min.) Increasing Good Higher Processing Potato (100 lb) Steady Good Higher Yellow Onions (50 lb) Increasing Good Lower Yellow Onions (50 lb)-term. Decreasing Good Lower Red Onions (25 lb)-term. Increasing Good Lower White Onions (50 lb)-term. Increasing Good Lower Tomatoes, (large- case) Decreasing Good Higher Tomatoes, (5x6, 25 lb.)-term. Increasing Good Higher Tomatoes, Vine Ripe, (4x5) Decreasing Good Higher Roma Tomatoes (large- case) Decreasing Good Higher Roma Tomatoes (xlarge- case) Decreasing Good Higher Green Peppers (large- case) Decreasing Good Higher Red Peppers (large- 15 lb. cs.) Steady Good Lower Iceberg Lettuce (24 count) Decreasing Good Lower Iceberg Lettuce (24 cnt)-term. Decreasing Good Lower
Produce Report (continued) Leaf Lettuce (24 count) Decreasing Good Lower Romaine Lettuce (24 count) Decreasing Good Lower Mesculin Mix (3 lb)-term. Decreasing Good Lower Broccoli (14 cnt.) Decreasing Good Lower Squash (case) Decreasing Good Lower Zucchini (case) Decreasing Good Lower Green Beans (bushel) Decreasing Good Spinach, Flat 24 s Decreasing Good Higher Lower Mushrooms (large), Term. Increasing Good Higher Cucumbers, Bushel Decreasing Good Lower Pickles (200-300 ct.)-term. Decreasing Good Lower Asparagus (small) Increasing Good Lower Freight (CA to City Avg.) Increasing Good Higher