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Produce

Avocados ended their 11-week price drop with a slight uptick. Roma tomatoes continued their descent but at a slower pace. Prices for most other core items held relatively steady.

Outlook: Avocados are entering their most volatile seasonal window. Consider forward contracts or price protections to avoid sharp spot market increases in July and August. Tomato pricing may see short-term stabilization, but long-term relief isn’t expected until September.

Grains

Grain markets paused last week. Wheat pricing climbed due to harvest delays and global unrest, but the rally appears short-lived. U.S. winter wheat harvest is far behind schedule, particularly in Oklahoma and Illinois.

Outlook: Expect wheat prices to correct as weather improves and harvest resumes. Monitor supplier updates closely and reassess futures-based procurement strategies heading into Q3.

Dairy

Butter and cheese prices softened slightly last week, with CME blocks and barrels both at $1.69/lb. Butter demand remains strong domestically and abroad. Milk production is adequate despite regional tightening.

Outlook: Watch for modest pressure on dairy through summer due to tight cream supplies and sustained retail demand. Multi-unit operators should explore volume leverage on cheese and butter contracts now to prepare for potential Q3 firming.

Beef

Beef cutouts climbed sharply, with Choice up 4% and Select up 3%. Key cuts like tenderloins, striploins, and top sirloins hit or approached record highs. Ground beef also surged, with 50% trim hitting a new record at $2.00/lb. Cattle futures dipped slightly, but pricing strength persisted across primals and grinds.

Outlook: With grilling season in full swing, operators should anticipate elevated pricing on both premium and value cuts through the July 4th holiday. Strategic sourcing on end cuts and ground beef will be key. Consider locking in volume pricing where possible and lean on supplier partners to identify cost-effective substitutes.

Pork

The pork complex continued to climb, with the overall cutout up 4% week-over-week and nearly 19% month-over-month. Bellies, ribs, butts, and hams all moved higher, while boneless loins remained flat. Export activity spiked, especially for pork butts.

Outlook: This may be the last opportunity for favorable pork pricing before late fall. Strong seasonal demand and tightening availability could put upward pressure on key cuts. Multi-unit concepts should align purchasing timelines across locations to lock in pricing ahead of Independence Day volume surges.

Poultry

Weekly chicken harvests rose 1.4% YoY. Boneless breasts dropped $0.04 to $2.65/lb, while tenderloins increased $0.06 to $2.59/lb. Wing prices rose slightly but remain well below historical norms. Thigh meat prices were steady, with B/S thighs up 31% YoY. Turkey breasts rose 6% week-over-week. Egg prices ticked up 1% but are still down 20% month-over-month.

Outlook: While overall poultry markets are entering a typical seasonal decline, expect continued demand pressure on white meat. Multi-unit operators should evaluate pre-orders and contract positions on tenderloins and thighs to manage margin exposure, especially as summer menus lean heavier on chicken.

Seafood

Salmon prices declined 6.9% m/m—finally returning to seasonal norms after months of elevated costs. The early downturn in April marked a turning point in the previously inflated market.

Outlook: Pricing should ease further into Q3. This is an ideal time for multi-unit menus to reintroduce or promote salmon offerings, particularly as margins improve. Consider locking in forward buys before fall volatility begins.

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Produce

Avocados paused their recent slide, but pricing still trends downward long-term. Roma tomatoes continue to correct and may rebound soon. Lettuce remains stable for now but could see pressure from emerging crop disease issues.

Outlook: Avocado and tomato pricing remain favorable near term. Watch lettuce closely, as disease-driven supply disruption could create a short-term price spike.

Grains

Soybean oil rallied sharply at the end of the week following the EPA’s favorable 2026–2027 RVO announcement, boosting long-term biofuel demand expectations.

Outlook: Expect continued strength in soybean oil markets as biofuel policy and supply chain dynamics create bullish momentum through the second half of the year.

Dairy

CME block and barrel cheese both dipped slightly, while butter prices held steady. Inventories are building, but cheese demand remains consistent from both retail and foodservice.

Outlook: Cheese and butter markets should remain relatively stable, though international butter demand could create upward pressure later in the season.

Beef

Choice and select cutouts moved higher again last week, driven by stronger pricing across ribs, loins, and end cuts. Ground beef and trim prices also rose, indicating tightening supply.

Outlook: With cattle futures climbing and July 4th demand building, beef markets should continue to strengthen in the short term before stabilizing post-holiday.

Pork

Primal markets surged across the board—bellies rose 9%, hams 8%, and pork butts saw a 6% jump. Trims also moved up, reflecting solid domestic demand despite slower export activity.

Outlook: Pork prices are on an upswing that’s likely to continue into July. Operators should prepare for elevated costs and secure volume early where possible.

Poultry

Boneless/skinless breast prices fell $0.09/lb to $2.69, while tenderloins rose slightly to $2.53/lb. Wings ticked up to $1.19/lb but remain significantly lower year-over-year. Thigh meat is still elevated, up 33% y/y.

Outlook: Expect gradual seasonal softening, but supply constraints and sustained demand from foodservice will likely keep white meat prices relatively firm through summer.

Seafood

Fresh yellowfin tuna dropped 27% m/m to $3.85/lb—its lowest level in years. This dramatic pricing dip is unlikely to last, as importers adjust to market conditions.

Outlook: Yellowfin pricing likely bottomed out and should trend upward over the next few months. Consider locking in value now for future needs.

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Produce

Roma tomato prices fell another 15% to $9.48/cs, now more than 33% off recent highs. Iceberg lettuce and avocados remain stable and are approaching their lowest points of the year. Transitions have gone smoothly with no major disruptions.

Outlook: Produce pricing is expected to stabilize, offering a window to optimize category spend. Review contracts and buying behaviors to take advantage of these lows.

Grains

Spring wheat continues to drive headlines amid global supply challenges, while improved U.S. winter wheat crop ratings have tempered domestic prices. Export activity remained moderate last week.

Outlook: Grains may stay under slight downward pressure. Operators should use this time to revisit long-term contracts and hedge against future volatility.

Dairy

Butter rose $0.13 to $2.49/lb, while cheese remained unchanged. Strong retail promotions and growing milk availability continue to support dairy production. Nonfat dry milk also gained to $1.29/lb.

Outlook: Expect some upward movement in butter and milk costs. Multi-unit operators should track regional pricing and align purchasing accordingly.

Beef

Despite rib segments falling, the beef market overall pushed higher with striploins reaching $11.84/lb and ground beef steady at $3.63/lb. Futures rose 3.5% on tighter supply expectations, and premium loin cuts showed notable strength.

Outlook: Market pressure will likely keep beef prices elevated. Now’s the time to review contracts and evaluate substitution opportunities for high-cost cuts.

Pork

Pork cutout values rose 3% to $108.12/cwt, with strong gains in bellies, ribs, and tenderloins. Bellies jumped to $1.98/lb while pork butts held strong. Export sales dipped, but domestic demand continues to lead.

Outlook: Pork prices are trending up through July. Multi-unit teams should review menu engineering and consider locking in pricing where volume is high.

Poultry

Chicken pricing remained firm last week, with boneless breasts at $2.77/lb and tenderloins jumping to $2.50/lb, supported by a 12% increase in retail ads. Boneless thigh meat continued its climb, now up 34% y/y. Harvest volumes increased 2.5% w/w, giving operators some breathing room.

Outlook: White and dark meat demand is holding strong. Multi-unit operators should maintain current poultry strategies while monitoring weekly shifts in tenderloin and thigh pricing.

Seafood

Snow crab prices pulled back 2.9% month-over-month following February’s spike. Import volumes are recovering, and the market is showing signs of stabilizing ahead of the summer peak season.

Outlook: Seafood costs are cooling, especially in crab. Use this pricing window to enhance premium offerings without sacrificing profitability.

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Produce

Stability continued across core produce items. Roma tomatoes saw a temporary 22% price dip but are still tracking within their normal seasonal band. Iceberg lettuce remained flat, and avocados continued their steady decline, improving year-over-year price comparisons.

Outlook: Produce costs should remain relatively flat through summer barring weather disruptions. Operators can use this period of predictability to refine spec consistency and avoid last-minute market buys.

Grains

Grain markets cooled off last week despite weaker-than-expected corn crop ratings. Tariff headlines failed to move the market significantly, and traders are now focused on June’s rainfall and yield forecasts.

Outlook: Corn and other grains are expected to stay under pressure unless weather turns adverse. Now is an opportune time to assess coverage and protect margins across high-usage grain-based products.

Dairy

Butter led the dairy category higher, increasing $0.13/lb to $2.49/lb. Cheese held steady at elevated levels, and nonfat dry milk rose to $1.29/lb. Strong domestic demand and rising exports are supporting processor activity and pricing.

Outlook: Margins on dairy-heavy items may be impacted if these trends continue. Multi-unit chains should monitor contracts closely and look for regional sourcing advantages where possible.

Beef

Beef pricing edged higher again, with the choice cutout reaching $366.09/cwt and multiple premium cuts like striploins and top sirloins gaining ground. Ground beef and trimmings were up as well, with 81% lean at $3.62/lb and 50% trim up $0.07 to $1.32/lb.

Outlook: Ongoing tight harvests are driving price support across both premium and value cuts. Operators should explore contract coverage and evaluate blended product strategies to manage cost exposure.

Pork

Pork markets moved sharply higher across several key categories. Bellies, hams, and trim all posted significant gains, with 72% trim up $0.14/lb and bellies rising 5% to $150.16/cwt. Pork butts also showed positive movement, bolstered by export activity.

Outlook: With export sales rebounding and domestic demand strong, pork values may remain firm in the short term. Multi-unit groups should assess high-volume SKUs for forward pricing opportunities.

Poultry

Poultry markets held relatively steady last week, with minor shifts in pricing across segments. Boneless breasts ticked down to $2.76/lb, while tenderloins climbed to $2.44/lb—marking an 11.5% increase for May. Boneless thigh meat was also up again, rising to $2.45/lb and showing 38% growth year-over-year.

Outlook: With consistent foodservice and retail demand, white meat pricing is expected to stay firm. Multi-unit operators should continue leveraging poultry as a reliable center-of-plate protein for cost-conscious menu planning.

Seafood

Frozen cod prices surged to a 22-month high, hitting $4.60/lb in March and holding elevated into June. Limited early-year imports are contributing to the spike, and a return to typical ranges may be slow.

Outlook: Seafood pricing may soften later this summer, but short-term costs are likely to remain high. Operators should consider adjusting portion sizes or diversifying species to manage spend effectively.

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Produce

Produce remained calm. Roma tomato pricing held steady, iceberg inched up, and avocados continued easing. Yellow onions may firm in the short term.

Outlook: Stability is expected across core produce categories. Operators can forecast with confidence through early summer.

Grains

Grains saw upward momentum, especially wheat. Increased global activity and financial uncertainty contributed to the rally.

Outlook: Procurement teams should remain alert—weather, currency, and economic signals are all influencing pricing trends.

Dairy

Cheese prices saw modest gains, while butter remained steady. Strong milk supply continues to meet retail and export demand.

Outlook: Dairy markets are well-balanced. Expect moderate pricing trends with no immediate risk indicators.

Beef

Beef markets moved sharply higher. Premium cuts like tenderloins and striploins posted notable increases, while grinds and trim also saw upward movement. Ground beef reached $3.59/lb, and 50% trim rose to $1.25/lb.

Outlook: With harvest slowdowns expected to continue, beef pricing will remain firm. Multi-unit operators should consider portion strategies or alternative cuts.

Pork

Rib and loin pricing remained elevated, while butts and bellies were flat to slightly down. Trims were mixed. Cutout support continues, driven by domestic demand more than exports.

Outlook: Pork pricing should hold steady near-term, supported by seasonal trends. Tariff and export fluctuations may impact longer-term planning.

Poultry

White meat prices strengthened again, with boneless breasts up to $2.77/lb and tenderloins reaching $2.39/lb. Boneless thighs gained $0.06 to $2.42/lb. Wings declined for a fourth straight week, down to $1.13/lb. Whole birds and drumsticks remained flat.

Outlook: Expect continued support for white meat pricing as labor-efficient proteins remain in demand and harvest volumes stay compressed.

Seafood

Pollock dropped sharply again, now near $1.40/lb. This is typically the seasonal low, with potential firming expected into Q4.

Outlook: Buyers may want to secure current pollock pricing before seasonal increases resume.

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Produce

Roma tomatoes surged 16.5% w/w to a seven-week high near $14/carton amid seasonal supply transitions. Hass avocado prices continued to ease, and iceberg lettuce remained stable at $10.50/carton.

Outlook: Produce prices are expected to stabilize in the near term as summer crops come online. Romas may soften after a couple more weeks of moderate gains.

Grains

Corn futures rebounded midweek after strong export reports showed CMY sales at 1.677 MMT and NMY at 509K MT. Early week pressure from rapid planting and acreage expectations moderated.

Outlook: While domestic planting could keep prices under pressure, global demand is propping up the market. Expect fluctuations leading into the June acreage report.

Dairy

Cheese prices continued climbing—blocks rose to $1.90/lb and barrels to $1.82/lb. Butter edged up to $2.33/lb. Retail demand is steady, and strong milk availability is supporting production.

Outlook: With inventories building and supply chain conditions stable, dairy pricing should hold steady with slight upward bias.

Beef

Live cattle futures softened, but boxed beef cutouts continued upward. Choice climbed to $349.90/cwt and select hit $339.20/cwt. Ground beef 81% rose 5% to $3.48/lb, and 50% trim surged 7% to $1.19/lb. Premium cuts like tenderloin and striploin posted gains, while shortloins and sirloins dipped.

Outlook: Tight harvest levels are creating margin pressure for packers, which will likely keep beef prices elevated heading into summer.

Pork

Pork pricing increased across key cuts. Butts and ribs surged over 10% w/w, while bellies saw modest gains. Boneless pork butts hit $1.59/lb, and spareribs climbed to $1.69/lb. Trim segments declined slightly.

Outlook: Strong export volume and seasonal demand are expected to maintain price pressure. Operators should evaluate cut utilization strategies to manage rising costs.

Poultry

Chicken markets showed mixed movement. Tenderloins rose $0.08 to $2.33/lb and boneless thighs climbed to $2.37/lb, while wing prices continued their downward trend, falling $0.07 to $1.17/lb. Whole bird pricing held flat at $1.35/lb. Turkey prices moved higher due to a 13% drop in harvest volume, while egg prices remained level.

Outlook: Steady demand for chicken white meat and ongoing supply constraints are likely to support current price levels. Wings remain a cost-saving opportunity for menus.

Seafood

 

Tilapia prices climbed nearly 8% m/m to around $2/lb, consistent with seasonal highs. The product has historically trended lower into summer, barring anomalies like in 2023.

Outlook: Tilapia is likely at or near its seasonal peak. Prices are expected to ease heading into Q3, providing potential value for operators using frozen fillets.

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Produce

Avocado prices fell for a sixth straight week despite pre-Cinco de Mayo demand. A return to sub-$50 cartons isn’t expected until after June. Yellow onions saw their first price uptick in over a year, signaling a potential seasonal bottom. Roma tomatoes slowed their pace of increase, rising just 2.8% w/w as the market enters its typical quiet season.

Outlook: Produce prices should remain mostly stable, with slight seasonal lifts for onions and continued softness in avocados through early summer.

Grains

Quiet news drove technical trading. Soybean oil slumped after failing to break key resistance. An upcoming EPA renewable volume obligations (RVO) announcement could reignite upward momentum if biodiesel policies shift.

Outlook: Grain markets are in a holding pattern ahead of key U.S.–China talks and Monday’s WASDE report.

Dairy

Butter prices edged up to $2.32/lb, while CME block cheese climbed 4% to $1.84/lb and barrels gained 2% to $1.78/lb. Nonfat dry milk rose to $1.22/lb. Retail demand remains steady, but foodservice activity is mixed. Cheese production is strong as milk supply grows.

Outlook: Expect steady dairy prices with ongoing inventory builds, though stronger seasonal demand could firm up cheese and butter through summer.

Beef

Choice cutout values climbed 1% to $347.89/cwt, while select jumped 3% to $333.20/cwt. Ribeyes and striploins held mostly flat, but shortloins and top sirloins saw moderate gains. Tenderloins slipped 3% to $13.27/lb. Chucks and rounds were mixed, with chuck rolls up, shoulder clods rising 5%, but inside rounds slipping 2%. Ground beef 81% rose 3% to $3.31/lb. Trim markets softened, with 50% trim down 7% to $1.11/lb and 90% lean trim easing to $3.75/lb.

Outlook: Rising cash cattle prices and tighter harvests are squeezing packer margins, likely pushing beef prices higher in the coming weeks.

Pork

Loin primal dipped 2% w/w, though boneless loins inched up to $1.33/lb. Pork butts strengthened, with primal up 4% and boneless butts reaching $1.39/lb. Ribs were mixed; spareribs held flat at $1.49/lb, while belly primals dropped 6% to $146.49/cwt. Belly subprimals declined $0.09 to $1.79/lb. Trims were sharply lower, with 42% trim down $0.18 to $0.60/lb and 72% trim slipping to $1.00/lb.

Outlook: Weak export sales and trade risks could keep domestic pork prices soft, especially as nearly 30% of U.S. production depends on exports.

Poultry

Boneless breast prices eased to $2.75/lb, still up 56% year-over-year, while tenderloins rose $0.03 to $2.24/lb. Boneless thighs continued higher to $2.31/lb, matching strong recent gains. Whole bird pricing slipped $0.01 to $1.35/lb, and wings fell sharply again, down $0.08 to $1.25/lb, now 45% lower year-over-year. Turkey breast prices dropped 2%, while whole turkeys fell 16%. Egg prices held steady as retail and foodservice demand remained light.

Outlook: Chicken prices are finding a floor, with tight harvest volumes and steady demand supporting current levels heading into summer.

Seafood

Yellowfin tuna surprised with a 5.9% m/m price increase in March, defying typical seasonal trends. After peaking in January, prices were expected to decline, but March posted a new seasonal high. Prices are still projected to soften through May before rebounding in summer.

Outlook: Tuna prices likely ease in the near term, but high seasonal ceilings could return later this year.

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Produce

Iceberg lettuce returned to steady levels near $10/carton following a brief price spike, while large tomatoes jumped another 12%—though that rally is expected to fade soon. Hass avocados dropped 2.2% to an 11-week low despite tight supply of large fruit.

Outlook: Produce markets appear stable overall. Tomato prices could ease in the coming weeks, while avocado prices may tick back up by late June.

Grains

Grain prices fell again, led by Kansas City wheat and corn. Chicago wheat remains just above long-term technical support. Drier forecasts in the U.S. Southern Plains may provide some stabilization, but export demand remains sluggish.

Outlook: Without stronger global buying or weather-driven supply issues, grains—especially wheat—are likely to remain under downward pressure.

Dairy

Butter rose slightly to $2.31/lb, and both cheese blocks and barrels saw 2–3% gains. Retail demand is holding firm, but foodservice demand remains soft. Strong milk production is feeding higher cheese output, which may start to put pressure on prices again.

Outlook: Dairy prices could flatten or dip in the weeks ahead as production rises and foodservice demand stays muted.

Beef

Choice beef cutouts rose to $343.17/cwt as packers contend with shrinking harvests and rising cattle costs. Striploins and shortloins increased 1–2%, while tenderloins eased 1%. End cuts were strong across the board, and ground beef surged 4% to $3.20/lb. Trim markets were mixed, with 50% trim up 2% and 90% lean flat.

Outlook: Beef prices are likely to stay firm or rise further in the short term, as reduced harvests and strong seasonal demand continue to tighten supply.

Pork

Pork cutouts declined 2% with notable drops in the loin (-6%) and butt (-5%) primals. Boneless pork loins fell $0.08 to $1.30/lb, while spareribs dropped $0.11. Bellies saw a modest gain of 1%, with derind belly prices rising to $1.88/lb. Exports remain a concern, with halted sales to China and mixed global demand.

Outlook: Trade headwinds could further pressure pork prices, potentially translating to lower domestic costs despite short-term volatility in specific cuts.

Poultry

Boneless breast prices climbed to $2.76/lb, up 58% year-over-year, while tenderloins rose $0.10 to $2.21/lb. Boneless thighs matched that price after another strong gain. Whole bird pricing held steady at $1.36/lb, and wings eased $0.05 to $1.33/lb. Turkey breasts also gained 4.6%, while eggs and whole turkeys stayed flat. Harvest volumes dipped slightly week-over-week, adding more pressure to an already tight market.

Outlook: Expect continued chicken price increases into summer, with limited harvest and strong demand from both restaurants and retailers driving further upward movement.

Seafood

Tilapia and cod showed modest m/m price increases in February, and March data is expected to show sharper gains as import volumes drop. Tilapia, in particular, has historically peaked between March and April due to consistent seasonal trends.

Outlook: Seafood buyers should anticipate near-term price peaks for tilapia, with potential relief coming later in Q2 as import volumes rebound.

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Produce

Both iceberg lettuce and roma tomato prices rebounded, climbing 12.5% and 11.9% w/w, respectively. However, the tomato uptick appears temporary, while iceberg lettuce might see prices hit $25–$30/carton before easing. No major supply shocks are expected, suggesting produce markets should stabilize heading into the summer growing season.

Outlook: Lettuce may stay elevated for a few more weeks, but barring weather disruptions, produce markets should normalize by late spring.

Grains

Grains traded mixed as heavy rains in the U.S. Southern Plains and improved Black Sea weather pressured Kansas City wheat prices lower. Without stronger export demand or a rebound in global weather issues, wheat markets are likely to remain under pressure. Technical support helped prevent further drops, but overall bearish momentum persists.

Outlook: Weather improvements and weaker global demand could keep grains, especially wheat, trending lower into the early summer months.

Dairy

Dairy prices slipped, with butter down slightly to $2.33/lb and cheese blocks and barrels both dropping by around 8–9%. Foodservice demand remains weak, while retail demand is steady to higher. Strong milk production is boosting cheese output, which could add additional downward pressure on prices in the coming weeks.

Outlook: Dairy prices are likely to remain under pressure as milk availability increases and foodservice demand stays soft.

Beef

Cattle futures rose 3% to $213.50/cwt, but the overall beef cutout values were flat. Ribeye and tenderloin prices slipped slightly, while striploins and shortloins saw moderate gains. Ground beef surged 9% to $3.00/lb, indicating shifting consumer demand toward more affordable beef cuts. Expect further price firming in loins and ground beef as grilling season approaches.

Outlook: Beef fundamentals remain strong, but with rib prices softening, look for increased strength in loins, sirloins, and ground beef leading into prime grilling months.

Pork

Pork prices were mixed as the loin primal rose 5% and pork butts climbed 4%, but ribs and bellies fell. Export sales dropped sharply, increasing concerns over tariff impacts. With almost 30% of U.S. pork sold internationally, the market faces growing volatility that could result in lower domestic prices if export demand continues to soften.

Outlook: Trade tensions are creating uncertainty, but softer exports could eventually drive pork prices lower for U.S. buyers this spring.

Poultry

Chicken prices surged again last week, with boneless breasts up to $2.72/lb and boneless thighs jumping to $2.10/lb. Tenderloins also climbed sharply, now up 3% y/y. While retail ads stayed flat overall, thigh meat promotions were notably higher. Limited harvest and strong retail and foodservice demand suggest continued upward pressure on chicken prices heading into summer.

Outlook: Chicken pricing strength is expected to continue into summer, driven by tighter supplies and stronger menu demand across restaurants and retail.

Seafood

Frozen Alaskan pollock prices dipped 5.6% m/m in February, realigning closer to normal seasonal levels after a strong finish to 2024. Although typically prices continue falling into April or May, the early low suggests moderate weakness before a summer rebound. Look for a typical seasonal peak between October and November.

Outlook: Expect pollock prices to drift lower through May before seasonal demand pushes prices higher later in the year.

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Produce

A quiet week overall. Lettuce and tomatoes gave up recent gains, but no major red flags ahead. Hass avocados are trending down, now at a 9-week low, but real relief isn’t expected until July. Onions are holding steady above $5/sack but could firm up late May.

Outlook: Stable for now, but watch lettuce for potential volatility in May.

 

Grains

A mixed week. Soft red winter (Chicago) wheat rose 1.6%, but other wheats lagged behind. Soybean oil was the lone standout, showing strength amid overall market hesitation. Drought relief in Oklahoma could boost hard red winter yields, but concerns linger with 34% of the U.S. winter wheat crop still in drought conditions.

Outlook: Weather will be the wildcard — expect volatility tied to precipitation trends.

 

Dairy

Retail promotions and strong foodservice demand kept dairy prices moving modestly higher. Butter stayed flat at $2.34/lb, but cheese prices ticked up — both CME blocks and barrels hit $1.84/lb. Milk supply is rising, helping keep inventories healthy.

Outlook: Butter and cheese remain stable with slight upside. Expect continued inventory growth as milk production picks up.

 

Beef

Cattle futures surged 4% as tighter supplies support pricing. The choice cutout dipped 1% to $332.90/cwt while select was up 1% to $316.39/cwt. Chuck and round cuts weakened, with shoulder clods and chuck rolls falling 5–6%. Ribeyes and shortloins saw mixed trends.

Ground beef 81% dropped 9% to $2.74/lb. Lean trim prices diverged: 50% trim rose 4% to $1.23/lb, while 90% lean fell to $3.74/lb.

Outlook: Fewer cattle on the market means tighter supply and likely higher prices in coming weeks.

 

Pork

Pork prices were all over the board. Boneless loins dropped to $1.32/lb, but baby back ribs climbed to $2.88/lb. Butts and hams moved lower, while bellies surged 7% to $134.99/cwt. Export sales slowed, down 1.4 million pounds from the previous week.

Outlook: With 30% of U.S. pork heading overseas, upcoming tariffs or retaliatory measures could shake things up. Could mean volatility — or discounts — for domestic buyers.

 

Poultry

Chicken harvest rose 4.4% year-over-year, and white meat prices continue to climb. Boneless/skinless breasts jumped $0.13 to $2.65/lb and are now up 57% y/y. Tenderloins followed with a $0.10 gain. Thigh meat also saw solid increases, while wings and drumsticks stayed mostly flat. In turkey, boneless breasts edged up 1% but whole birds dropped nearly 6%.

Eggs hit peak demand during Easter, but with imports rising and demand easing, expect prices to cool off soon. The USDA shell egg index dipped 2% this week but remains 48% higher y/y.

Outlook: White meat demand is projected to remain strong, especially in foodservice and retail. Dark meat outlook is murkier, with tariffs and trade risks with China on the radar.

 

Seafood

Yellowfin tuna prices dropped 8.4% in March — a seasonal trend we’ve seen before. After peaking in January, tuna typically declines through late spring. We’re still sitting at elevated prices ($4.96/lb avg), but May data should reflect continued softness.

Outlook: Expect lower tuna prices through June before they begin to stabilize again.