The latest US Cold Storage numbers reported pork stocks at 532.0 million pounds for August, up 5.6 million pounds from July and 77.8 million pounds over year ago levels. For reference, total pork in cold storage for July was revised lower from 530.1 to 526.5 million pounds. The latest report reflected mixed moves in pork commodity groups overall, however significant declines in belly stocks and trimmings were offset by increased ham and other pork supplies.
- Bellies in cold storage dropped 10.3 million pounds in a continued seasonal trend, bringing them 14.9 million pounds over last year. Trimmings fell 6.8 million pounds from last reported and are 2.7 million pounds overs last year, while variety meats slipped 930 thousand pounds for August and are 904 thousand pounds over year ago levels. Total loins edged 217 thousand pounds lower than last reported, up 3.8 million pounds over last year.
- Total hams in cold storage rose 11.9 million pounds from July with the bone-in variety up more than the boneless variety proportionately, bringing them 22.1 million pounds under a year earlier. Historically, hams in cold storage climb from April onward to peak in September. Other pork, which includes ears, tails, feet, neckbones and snouts, increased 7.1 million pounds for August and is 11.4 million pounds over last year. Remaining pork commodities were up generally 1-2 million pounds for August, with butts notably up 2.1 million pounds for August to a 7-year high for the month historically and is 3.7 million pounds over a year earlier. Spare-ribs continue with high stocks in cold storage and recorded a new high for the month of August historically, up a modest 1.0 million pounds on the month and 53.2 million pounds over last year.
