Pork Trends 

Loins 

Boneless loins slipped fractionally lower, while bone-in loins increased slightly. Seasonal demand is fair and steady, and supply is good, due to larger seasonal harvest levels, according to analysts. Historically, both loin markets have shown a tendency to be rangebound during February.

Tenders 

The pork tenderloin market pivoted slightly lower. The USDA continues to report varying levels of promotional frequency in the retail space. Historically, upward recovery in this market tends to slow during February.

Butts 

The bone-in pork butt market remained unchanged from the prior week. Supply is cyclically strong, and demand continues to be well-supported, according to analysts. The USDA has been reporting steady but varying levels of ad placement for butts. Historically, the butt markets have been volatile in February, either continuing any correction that took place in January or beginning to pivot higher.

Ribs 

All varieties of spareribs decreased, while backribs continued to increase. Analysts consider the rib markets to be strong, as they continue to run at premiums compared to last year. Seasonal demand remains fair to weak, although forward booking demand has been supportive, according to analysts. Historically, both the backrib and sparerib markets begin to increase slowly and steadily at this time of year.

Bellies/Bacon 

The belly market composite continued to edge slightly higher. This year, the market began rising later than in prior years, and the increases have been more moderate. Historically, the belly markets are strong heading into February, before gains begin to slow.

Hams 

Heavy hams remained unchanged, while light hams increased slightly. The current market has been closely mirroring last year's market for several months and, if this continues, it will likely lead to a stronger rally during the rest of February. Export and forward Easter demand can cause fluctuations in ham markets, according to analysts.

Trimmings 

Both the 72% lean and 42% fat trimming markets remained unchanged from the prior week. Both markets have been tracking higher from seasonal lows, and have been doing so at stronger rates of increase than in prior years. Historically, the trimming markets move higher from January through March.

Picnics 

Both the bone-in and boneless picnic markets remained unchanged from the prior week. Recent downward movement in the bone-in picnic market seems to be stabilizing, according to analysts. The bone-in picnic market historically corrects following the end-of-year holidays, stabilizing by around late January, then working directionally higher throughout the calendar year. Meanwhile, the boneless picnic market historically begins to show more upward consistency in February.