All pork pricing trends are based on USDA data as of May 22, 2026.
The USDA reported a weekly hog harvest of 2.321 MM hogs last week. This level is roughly 2% lower than the prior week. Running harvest level year-to-date is down 0.8% compared to last year.
Loins 
The loin complex had better support, as bone-in loins pivoted higher following several weeks of settling, while the boneless loins continued to rise. Seasonal demand is fair and relatively steady, and supply is good, according to analysts. Variable promotion is reported for the retail channel. Historically, both loin markets have experienced sharper, seasonal gains in May as grilling season ramps up, but movement had been relatively tempered until now.
Tenders
The pork tenderloin market continued to edge slightly higher. Supply is good, while demand has been fair and variable, according to analysts. The USDA continues to report varying levels of promotional frequency in the retail space, with last week remaining steady compared to the prior week. Historically, the market begins to show more of a propensity to push higher in May, as seasonal factors come into play.
Butts
The bone-in butt market continued to surge higher. Supply remains cyclically strong, but is beginning to tighten, as harvest levels decline seasonally, while demand is trending seasonally higher, according to analysts. Historically, the butt markets climb gradually higher in May and sustain that support into June.
Ribs 
The backrib markets declined, while all varieties of spareribs increased. Seasonal demand is improving as grilling season heats up, according to analysts. The USDA reported a massive increase in promotional frequency across backribs and St. Louis-style spareribs leading up to Memorial Day. Historically, both the backrib and sparerib markets climb higher during spring and summer, due to increasing seasonal demand.
Bellies/Bacon 
The belly market composite continued to slip lower, and remains below both last year’s levels and the five-year average. The USDA-reported frequency of bacon features in the retail channel was similar to the prior week, and is still up compared to last year. Historically, the belly market rises between late May and late June.
Hams
Heavy hams pivoted higher, while light hams continued to rise. Supply remains good on a seasonal basis and cold storage inventories are elevated, while demand remains variable, according to analysts. Historically, the ham markets become steady or move higher during June, due to increasing deli ham and lunch meat demand, according to analysts.
Trimmings
72% lean trimmings pivoted lower, while 42% fat trimmings continued to drop. Supply is good and demand is mostly supportive, according to analysts, who note that since pork trimmings can substitute for beef trimmings, there is a risk of volatility in the pork trimmings markets, as the beef market is currently very strong. Traditionally, the pork trimming markets have remained largely range‑bound heading into May, with no clear signal of a significant move either up or down, but become significantly bullish during the summer months as grilling season demand picks up. Traditionally, the pork trimming markets increase during June as grilling season ramps up and drives stronger demand from further-processors.
Picnics
Bone-in picnics held steady, while boneless picnics continued higher. Historically, the bone-in picnic market ebbs and flows directionally higher throughout the calendar year, while the boneless picnic market trends higher as the weather warms, due to increases in raw material demand.