The latest US Cold Storage numbers reported pork stocks at 537.9 million pounds for September, up a modest 717 thousand pounds from August and 68.0 million pounds over year ago levels. For reference, total pork in cold storage for August was revised lower from 532.0 to 538.6 million pounds. Decreased quantities of hams and spare-ribs were offset by increased stocks of loins, unclassified pork, variety meats and belly supplies.
Total hams in cold storage fell 4.4 million pounds for September with the boneless variety down more than the bone-in variety, bringing total hams 35.3 million pounds under a year earlier. Hams in cold storage typically climb from April onward to peak in September however this year's high so far was reached in August, similar to what occurred in 2019. Spare-ribs in cold storage also declined 4.4 million pounds for September though continue at unseasonably high stocks, bringing them 45.6 million pounds or 78.6% over last year. Other pork (which includes ears, tails, feet, neckbones and snouts) slipped modestly on the month however are 6.1 million pounds over last year, picnics slipped 541 thousand pounds for September and are 1.6 million pounds over year ago levels.
Total loins increased 3.6 million pounds from last reported with the boneless variety accounting for the majority of the rise, bringing all loins 7.2 million pounds over last year. Unclassified pork stocks were up 3.1 million pounds for September and are 12.8 million pounds over year ago levels. Variety meats in cold storage climbed 1.1 million pounds higher than last reported and are 2.8 million pounds over last year while bellies edged 908 thousand pounds higher, bringing them 23.7 million pounds over the low stocks recorded last year.
