Beef, Poultry & Pork Market Update

Beef

The beef market continues to operate in a tight supply environment with cattle availability limited and overall production trending lower year over year. Harvest levels remain constrained while demand holds steady, supporting the market despite some short-term variability across cuts. End cuts and grinds are showing softer movement, while middle meats and premium items are mixed to higher, especially as seasonal demand builds into grilling season.

Poultry

The chicken market is balanced to slightly tighter, with production trending higher on increased egg sets and chick placements, but demand improving across foodservice and retail channels. Breast meat and thigh meat are seeing strengthening demand heading into spring, while wing demand has softened and remains under pressure. Supply challenges in certain segments are keeping spot availability tight even as overall production grows.

Pork

The pork market is steady to slightly higher overall, supported by stable hog production and improving seasonal demand as grilling season approaches. Supply levels are adequate, with modest production growth expected, while export demand continues to absorb available product. Ribs and butts are moving higher with seasonal demand, while other cuts show more mixed performance.

Bacon

Belly markets moved lower again this week but showed signs of stabilizing following last week’s sharp correction. Trading ranges tightened and volume improved, signaling buyers are starting to re-engage after the post-Easter pullback. While demand remains softer in the near term, improving activity and stronger performance in other pork cuts suggest the market is working toward a more balanced position heading into late spring.