The latest US Cold Storage numbers reported pork stocks at 533.9 million pounds for March, up 12.7m pounds higher from February and 47.9m pounds over year-ago levels.
Lessened amounts of spare ribs, butts and unclassified pork were notably lower on the latest cold storage report, however increased quantities in most other pork categories more than offset the month-over-month declines for the month of March. Compared to the lower supplies recorded for this time last year, most primals are above year-ago levels with exception to spare-ribs and variety meats.
The category accounting for Other Pork increased the most on the month, rising 10.2m pounds in March and is 11.1m pounds over last year. Bellies rose 6.0m pounds from the month previous and is up 20.1m pounds over a year-ago, while trimmings increased 4.6m pounds for March bringing them 2.7m pounds over last year and bone-in picnics rose 2.6m pounds on the month and is 1.9m pounds over a year earlier. Total loins edged 780 thousand pounds higher for March, bringing all loins 3.9m pounds over last year.
Spare-ribs in cold storage recorded the greatest decline from previously reported, down 4.6m pounds on the month and 4.9m pounds under last year. Butts declined 3.2m pounds for March bringing them 2.6m pounds over last year, while unclassified pork fell 2.6m pounds on the month and is 1.7m pounds over last year. Variety meats slipped 679 thousand pounds on the latest report to bring them 1.7m pounds under a year earlier, while the category accounting for all hams was recorded modestly lower on the month and is 10.6m pounds over last year.
