The latest US Cold Storage numbers reported pork stocks at 530.1 million pounds for July, down 8.6 million pounds from June and 88.4 million pounds over year ago levels. For reference, total pork in cold storage for June was revised lower from 541.0 to 538.7 million pounds.
- Most classifications of pork recorded lessened amounts from June levels. Bellies fell 10.7 million pounds in a seasonal move for July bringing them 14.7 million pounds over last year. Total loins declined 2.2 million pounds from last reported, with the boneless variety accounting for the overall decline, and total loins are 1.7 million over last year. Butts dropped 2.8 million pounds for July but are 3.5 million pounds over last year, while picnics fell 1.4 million pounds on the month bringing them 2.0 million pounds over year ago levels. Unclassified pork was down 1.6 million pounds for July and is 3.8 million over last year, while variety meats fell 1.2 million pounds on the latest report however are up 1.5 million pounds from last year.
- Partially offsetting the earlier mentioned reductions were increased hams in cold storage. Total hams rose 12.0 million pounds from June with the bone-in variety up more than boneless, and total hams were 1.3 million pounds under a year earlier. Historically, hams in cold storage climb from April onward to peak in September. Other pork edged 151 thousand pounds higher from last reported and is 750 thousand pounds under last year.
- Competing meats in cold storage varied on the report. Total beef slipped 6.0 million pounds or -1.2% from June levels but is up 110.0 million pounds or +27.4% over last year. Total broiler chickens rose 43.4 million pounds or +5.6% in July brining them +11.8% or 86.1 million pounds over last year, while chicken cuts were up +5.5% or 41.8 million pounds higher overall and +12.1% or 86.3 million pounds over last year.
