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Produce

Many markets throughout the industry are settling as transitions are complete, and the weather has remained optimal. We will likely see other markets settle as they transition fully over the next several weeks. Supplies out of the Salinas Valley continue to improve, and markets are settling at lower levels. Overall quality is good, but growers continue to see smaller head sizes and lighter weights per acre. Additionally, growers continue to see other quality issues, such as yellowing, light cupping, and light fringe burn. We will still see some growers continue to have unstable supplies through the balance of the month of May and into June, but we are not anticipating any major shortages over the next few weeks.

Grains

As traders unloaded their long bets last week, soy oil futures declined by over 8%. Based on official statistics, which suggests that equities are doing well, this decision was made. As a result, throughout the week, both canola and palm oil saw downward pressure. The trading of corn, wheat, rice, and soybeans all fell. While soybean oil showed an increase, beans and corn oil had large declines.

Dairy

Markets for shell eggs are recovering and rising this week. This week’s cheese markets are down. Despite plentiful supplies, butter prices rose this week. For June, there will be small price rises for cream and culture; West Coast markets are somewhat down.

Beef

Due to the strong demand from the previous week and the upcoming short harvest week, packers are optimistic; unfortunately, the market does not seem to agree. Demand isn’t keeping up with supply, and rib and tenders are still showing up under pressure. The demand for bone-in strips and short loins for Father’s Day appears to be supporting tenderloins and strips, which are at best stable. Rounds, chucks, and briskets are reliable.

Pork

Pork butts made a little amount of market progress, and they should continue to make a small amount of progress for the rest of the month. The rib complex is still holding fairly steadily, but fresh ribs may show some upward movement. Retail demand and the approaching holiday are still holding up the price of loins. Large cold storage supplies are the key reason why stomachs are not experiencing the seasonal growth as anticipated.

Poultry

As late spring chicken demand arrives, we are often observing an increase in chicken demand. Demand for breasts is beginning to rise, particularly in the market for larger breasts. Although there were more tenders, price growth has substantially halted. Whole birds are still in high demand, and there are fewer available. The demand for jumbo and medium wings is rising.

Seafood

As summer approaches, beach tourism is once again flourishing. The menus should include snapper, grouper, mahi-mahi, swordfish, shrimp, calamari, and crab. The 2023 North Atlantic lobster season began on May 1. The Canadian Spring Pack, which runs from May 1 to June 30, is the first season.

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Produce

Growing region transitions and past weather events continue to cause lower overall yields and have kept markets higher; however, production is beginning to increase across many commodities, and we will likely see pricing begin to stabilize. Although growers are behind schedule on the mixed vegetables in the Salinas Valley growing region, supplies are beginning to increase, and many markets have declined. However, supplies are expected to remain volatile throughout the month of May.

Grains

The price of soybean oil increased last week. The futures climbed up 220 points on Friday, which saw the majority of the greater trading activity. The main focus was on some weather concerns and some stronger energy, but traders recognized a pricing opportunity and added some long covering. Although production was down, the market for palm oil declined.

Dairy

Shell egg markets have not changed; they have stabilized. The butter and cheese markets are both still stable, but they both have negative undertones. For the month of May, there will be slight price reductions for Cream and Culture.

Beef

While rib and strip business is steady, there are some worries about potential inventory increases. Tenderloins and brisket prices are leveling off, and some packers are displaying sufficient supplies. As processors and the grinding of some round cuts assist to balance supply and demand, chucks and rounds remain constant. Grinds are consistent and want assistance on Memorial Day.

Pork

As anticipated, robust demand is projected to drive this market up through May, therefore butts increased once again this week. The market for ribs has remained stable despite rising demand and surplus cold storage inventory. Due to the release of Memorial Day retail ads, loin prices increased. As expected, fresh bellies decreased but should start to trend upward as supply shifts to processing. Trimmings fluctuated in price.

Poultry

Mother’s Day caused the breast meat to increase. Tenders are also still increasing quickly. The price of whole birds and cut ups rises in response to rising seasonal demand. Wings are largely stable with strong demand. Demand for dark meat is still high.

Seafood

Seafood demand was very high due to Mother’s Day. The 2023 North Atlantic lobster season officially began on May 1. The Canadian Spring Pack, which runs from May 1 to June 30th, is the first season.

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Produce

With Mother’s Day one week away and the lower yields caused by weather events, markets will likely remain higher for the next several weeks. Mother’s Day typically increases demand by as much as 25% as one of the year’s biggest holidays for foodservice. The transition from Yuma, AZ, to the Salinas Valley will finish this week. Markets for the mixed vegetables out of the Salinas Valley growing region saw a slight for most commodities. However, supplies and markets are expected to remain volatile through the month of May due to crops being behind schedule. Growers continue to see quality issues such as yellowing, light fringe burn, and light case weights.

Grains

Markets for soybean oil fell slightly down last week as speculative traders reduced a large portion of their positions. Canola utilization for biofuels has increased to record levels, which lessens the pressure on soybean oil. Soybean and Canola oil pressure caused palm oil to decline, although overall, palm oil reserves are growing on a global scale.

Dairy

Are we at the floor? Shell egg markets are declining once more. Several analysts concur. The cheese market is still weak and declining. With a consistent supply, butter markets stay stable. May is anticipated to see a small decline in the Culture and Cream markets.

Beef

Buyers aren’t rushing to place orders, and inventories are still plenty. Although there is little volume of out-front interest, rib and strip continue to trade steadily. Brisket and tenderloin prices are beginning to level out, and some packers are displaying sufficient supplies. The demand for chucks and rounds remains consistent. Although grinds are at best steady, increased demand is anticipated.

Pork

Expect this trend to continue as supplies to tighten up as strong exports and strong domestic demand continue to drive up the beef markets. With the exception of a yo-yo effect, ribs are largely keeping flat due to excessive cold storage. Retail interest in loins is increasing, but not significantly enough to impact the market much. Although lower, belly sizes are predicted to rise.

Poultry

We are currently in the breast season, with portions of breast for Mother’s Day and catered parties as well as random breast for Cinco de Mayo. The tenders are still the most popular section of the bird, with prices continuing to rise over the past few months. Whole birds are still in high demand, and there are fewer available. The popularity of wings is waning.

Seafood

As Cinco de Mayo just passed and Mother’s Day is next on the calendar, both holidays feature seafood on their menus. The animal that receives the greatest attention on Mother’s Day is salmon. The 2023 North Atlantic lobster season officially began on May 1. The Canadian Spring Pack, which runs from May 1 to June 30th, is the first season.

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Produce

With Mother’s Day two weeks away, combined with the lower yields caused by weather events, markets will likely remain higher for the next several weeks. Mother’s Day typically increases demand by as much as 25% as one of the year’s biggest holidays for foodservice. Due to past weather events, production remains limited in the Salinas Valley growing region. Growers see quality issues like yellowing, light fringe burn, light weights out of Salinas, and some sun-scald

Grains

On the back of negative harvest reports from South America and unfavorable US weather, soybean oil futures rose last week. As the week went on, it did trade lower as a result of trader selling. Canola was lower, but with some snow, rain, and worker strikes, it was predicted to go higher. With limited but improving stock, Palm was higher.

Dairy

The supply of shell eggs is abundant compared to the demand, which has been poor for four weeks. Block/Barrel market declines in cheese prices are still present. Markets for butter are steady. For the month of May, there will be slight decreases in the price of cream and culture.

Beef

Buyers still continue hand to mouth, while some sales at the front are formula-based. Packers continue to emphasize the increasing demand and the anticipated prolonged shortage of cattle supplies. Ranges for trading ribs and strips continue to be stable, and availability is still not a problem. The demand for briskets and tenderloins throughout Mother’s Day and Memorial Day continues to be strong. Rounds and chucks keep coming in steadily.

Pork

Butts are in high demand both domestically and abroad, and their market share is continuing to grow. Although they were seasonal, spareribs were not anticipated to last. St. Louis ribs and back ribs rose as anticipated. Strong export demand for boneless loins is keeping this market afloat. In spite of an abundance of supplies, there is still a healthy market for bellies.

Poultry

Breast meat is staying put. Tender demand is still rapidly increasing. Supply is becoming more scarce for whole birds and cut ups. There is less demand for wings. Demand for dark meat continues to be high.

Seafood

Up to the start of the new season in May, North Atlantic lobster tails and lobster meat will be available for allocation. The North Atlantic Scallop fishery for 2023–2024 got underway on April 1. In the first few weeks, U-12 and U-10 scallops made up more than 60% of all landings.

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Produce

Multiple growing region transitions combined with previous weather events have caused lower overall yields, negatively affecting markets. Lower yields and higher markets are expected for the next several weeks. The overall quality is fair to good, with growers seeing some quality issues such as yellowing, light fringe burn, light weights out of Salinas, and some sunscald. Due to past weather issues, the crops in the valley are well behind schedule.

Grains

As the USDA stated that there had been no change to its WASDE report, soybean oil futures went slightly down last week. With more biodiesel production facilities coming online, the cash values for soybean oil and canola are rising. Due to rising production and pressure from soybean oil futures, palm markets declined.

Dairy

Markets for shell eggs are remain weak and declining. This week, barrel markets sank along with blocks. Markets for butter are steady. For the month of April, there will be slight price hikes for cream and culture. There will be some small declines in the processed egg quarterly adjustment for April.

Beef

The best way to define the market is as “Cautious anticipation.” While buyers are still and to mouth, and packers are still seeing rising cattle futures and costs. Trading ranges for ribs and strips continue to be stable, and availability is still not a problem. Due to their restricted availability and small harvest, tenderloins and briskets continue to exhibit the most price upside potential.

Pork

After making some compromises for a few weeks, butts are getting stronger. This market is anticipated to maintain its current course through Memorial Day. As the supply is beginning to level off and reservations for the summer season rise, ribs also experienced some modest gains. The market for loins is increasing due to domestic demand. Despite some declines, belly measurements increased this week.

Poultry

As Cinco de Mayo and Mother’s Day approach, there is an increase in demand for breasts. Demand for tenders is swiftly increasing. The supply of whole birds and cut ups is becoming increasingly scarce. This week, the demand and supply for jumbo wings were equal. On the open market, little wings are easily accessible. Demand for dark meat is still high.

Seafood

With pasteurized crab meat in red and blue crab on the rise, prices will rise over the summer as a result of a shortage. Up to the start of the new season in May, North Atlantic lobster tails and lobster meat will be available for allocation.

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Produce

Growers continue to deal with the aftermath of adverse weather conditions, which have delayed crops, increased quality issues, and decreased overall yields resulting in market volatility across many commodities. The transition from Yuma, AZ, to Salinas, CA, is underway, and markets continue to see volatility due to yields, quality, and past weather issues. March rains and cool weather have delayed the Salinas season’s start by approx. 10-14 days. Quality issues out of the desert growing region are expected to increase due to increasing temperatures.

Grains

As energy costs rose, so did soybean oil. At this time, South America is harvesting and the U.S. is planting corn and soybeans. Strong exports helped canola futures climb higher. Palm increased due to low production and rising soybean oil prices.

Dairy

Markets for shell eggs are still declining due to weak demand. Markets for blocks and barrels are down. Butter markets are declining, but the general tone is stable. For the month of April, there will be slight price hikes for Cream and Culture. For the month of April, there will be a small decline in all categories for processed eggs.

Beef

As cautious purchasers continue to buy on a tight budget, the market is at a standstill, which is preventing sharp price hikes. Prices for ribs and strips are largely stable, but purchasers continue to be concerned about availability, which limits business. Tenderloins and briskets are increasing due to seasonal demand, but rounds and chucks remain stable.

Pork

Lack of demand on the domestic and overseas markets is causing the butt market to slow down. Before demand resumes in May, this might linger for another week or two. Due to a lack of demand, rib prices are also heading downward. While bone-in loins are displaying weakening, bone-less loins are still powerful. Bellies keep falling because of excess supply in cold storage.

Poultry

Breasts of all sizes are holding. Breasts were low. Demand for tenders keeps increasing quickly. Supply is becoming more scarce for whole birds and cut ups. This week, the supply and demand of wings were equal. Demand for dark meat continues to be high.

Seafood

In both Blue and Red crab, pasteurized crab meat is becoming more prevalent, and prices will climb over the summer as a result of a shortage of supplies. Up to the start of the new season in May, North Atlantic lobster tails and meat will be available for allocation.

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Produce

Past weather issues, growing region transitions, and lower overall yields are expected to affect many markets over the next several weeks adversely. Current quality remains good with most commodities. As mentioned last week, growers still see some cosmetic deficiencies in inconsistent sizing, crop maturity, and leaf discoloration. This will likely impact quality and supply in the short term. Additionally, the warmer temperatures will cause an increase in bug pressure.

Grains

Soybean oil was steady last week, but it began to rise on Friday when the USDA announced quarterly inventories and planting intentions, which showed lower stocks and 1 million acres lost to corn. Canola’s use for biofuel is expanding, propelling this industry higher. Palm rose despite inadequate production.

Dairy

Now that Easter purchases are completed, shell egg markets are declining. Since milk remains available for manufacturing, block and barrel cheese markets are declining. Butter markets remain stable, although there are negative overtones due to excess supply of processed eggs.

Beef

This week’s price increases are being mitigated by extra boxes and cautious shoppers buying hand to mouth. Pricing for ribs and strips, like other cuts, is higher; however, availability continues to offset too big of an increase. Tenderloins and briskets have the biggest potential for growth due to fewer boxes and increasing demand for the upcoming holidays. Chucks and rounds are stable, and grinds are rising.

Pork

Normally, pork butts climb higher this time of year, especially as we approach the spring and summer months; however, the market has decreased this week because to poor demand. Ribs have been flat, and retail interest has declined, keeping this market lackluster. Loins are down, but they should rebound fast. Bellies continue to fall, as they have in recent weeks, and this trend may continue next week.

Poultry

The demand for jumbo breasts has recently decreased. Tender demand is rapidly increasing. Whole birds and cut ups were fairly consistent, although supply is running low. This week, demand and supply for wings were balanced. Demand for dark meat remains high.

Seafood

Lent is now over and larger category supplies are currently stable, but smaller category supplies face seasonal problems. The start of the snow crab season is just around the corner, and prices are predicted to be lower than last year. As new merchandise arrives, any existing inventory will be turned upside down.

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Produce

With persistent weather concerns and increased area transitions, lower overall yields are projected to have a negative impact on numerous markets over the coming few weeks. Supply from the desert producing zone are relatively consistent. Most commodities’ current quality remains high. Farmers notice some cosmetic flaws in the form of irregular size, crop maturity, and leaf yellowing. This will most likely have an immediate impact on quality and supply. Also, the warmer temperatures will increase bug pressure.

Grains

Speculators’ technical selling and a lack of fundamental trade pushed the soybean oil market lower until the end of the week, when it began to recover considerably. This also pushed the Canola and Palm oil prices lower; however, palm production is behind and palm exports are increasing. This market is likely to rebound.

Dairy

As Easter approaches, shell egg markets are beginning to fall significantly. Despite increased supply, the market for block and barrel cheese continues to grow. Butter markets are marginally lower due to a lack of supply. For the month of April, the prices of Cream and Culture will be slightly raised.

Beef

The market tone is becoming more familiar as the week goes. Prices are being mitigated by excess packaging, and demand is steady at best. Ribs are consistent, however availability varies by packer. Strips continue to trade steadily, with packers occasionally lowering pricing to mop up stray pockets. As purchasers continue to buy hand to mouth, chucks and rounds remain stable.

Pork

Butts have climbed somewhat for the coming week, as expected. Butts should get more expensive as demand grows. Ribs are generally steady, but retail interest is currently decreasing. Loins were also impacted, but they should heal quickly. Belly fat has also been declining in recent weeks and may continue to do so.

Poultry

The demand for jumbo breasts has recently decreased. Tender demand is rapidly increasing. Whole birds and cut ups were fairly consistent, although supply is running low. This week, demand and supply for wings were balanced. Demand for dark meat remains high.

Seafood

On April 6th, the Lenten season will come to a close. In comparison to last year, shrimp, salmon, tilapia, pangasius, pasteurized crabmeat, mahi, tuna, calamari, warm water lobster tails, cod, and pollock stocks have all stabilized.