The latest US Cold Storage numbers reported pork stocks at 530.2 million pounds for April, an increase of 44.3 million pounds from March and 73.3 million pounds over year-ago levels. For reference, total pork in cold storage for March was revised lower from 487.2 to 485.9 million pounds.
Most pork commodities increased on the report, excluding lessened amounts of picnics and trimmings. Total hams rose 24.1 million pounds from March levels and are 17.8 million pounds over last year. Notably, March represents the low of the year for hams in storage and they historically climb from April onward to peak in September. Other pork climbed 10.0 million pounds on the month however are 5.5 million pounds under last year, while unclassified pork rose 4.9 million pounds for April and is 2.4 million pounds over April 2021. Loins in cold storage increased 2.9 million pounds for April, bringing them 2.5 million pounds under last year. Bellies climbed 1.9 million pounds higher on the month, up a significant 23.5 million pounds over last year though current levels are more in-line with those expected seasonally. Butts in cold storage were up 1.0 million pounds from March and are 7.2 million over year-ago levels. It’s worth noting that butt stocks are above seasonal levels recorded in more recent years for this time, excluding the highs recorded in 2020.
Picnics declined 578 thousand pounds for April however are up 1.3 million pounds over last year, while trimmings edged 894 thousand pounds lower from March but are 10.8 million pounds over year-ago levels.
