This page can assist you in making decisions on which product to buy based on market trends. You will see where you can take advantage of specific market changes.
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 Beef
(07/01/08) The primary issue facing the cattle industry is corn futures. The March 2009 contract closed at $7.90 per bushel. This years damaged crop might be less than 11 billion bushels. Live cattle prices have increased in tandem with corn futures. Live cattle prices are at $1.15 per cwt and that would mean the choice cut out would have to average $1.77 cwt. The end result is that retailers would have to pay $4.55 per pound average per animal.
"Swift Packing" is holding all sales in anticipation of much higher beef prices. This is a perfect storm for strong increases in beef. The consumer will ultimately decide where the beef market ends up. If the consumers won't pay what the futures are indicating there will probably be some shortages on specific cuts.
Grinding meats (burger) has taken sharp increases after a long period of steadiness. The increases are due to a sharp decline in imported product which is used in the production of most fast food burger. This has forced producers to use more domestic grinding meat causing a shortage due to the high demand in the fast food market for burger
 Poultry
(07/01/08) The opening of the Korea's export market is affecting the poultry market as well. Portioned breast are already up $ .08 per pound for next week. Random breast and tenders will be up approximately $ .10 per pound.
 Pork
(07/01/08) Pork prices continue to rise again as a result of high corm prices and shortage of corn. The price increases had primarily affected the fat product but now we are seeing sharp increases in smoked and processed products. One of our primary sausage suppliers increased his product by $ .20 per pound.
 Veal
(07/01/08) Steady Market
Formula veal is still very expensive. The product due to governmental restrictions is not the quality it used to be and is even more expensive. Natural veal is still very affordable and plentiful in supply.
 Lamb
(07/01/08) Steady Market
Domestic lamb has been plentiful but the racks are still very pricey. Imported lamb racks especially New Zealand continue to stay at a reasonable price level. Our Sonoma lamb prices will stay consistent due to locked pricing. Seasonal effects have resulted in the Sonoma racks being smaller..
 Exotics
(07/01/08) Steady Market
The global economy and supply and demand has caught up with venison and elk. Many deer farmers have gone out of business due to low profits the increases in prices have been tremendous racks, strips, tenderloins and saddles have gone up almost 4.00 per pound. Leg items are up over $3.00 per pound. Rabbits have been very short in supply and have increased over $1.00 per pound over the last several weeks.
The USDA Forecast for 2008 |
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