Alerts & What’s Trending
Produce
Produce brought some welcome relief last week, especially in lettuce, where iceberg prices dropped sharply after several elevated weeks. Avocado prices also continued to ease, and while both markets may be nearing a floor, current levels are a much better buying environment than earlier in the season.
Outlook: Lettuce and avocado pricing should stay more favorable in the near term, with lettuce likely stabilizing soon and avocados facing only modest upside risk into August.
Grains
Grain markets were mostly stronger early in the week as hot Corn Belt weather raised production concerns, but cooler forecasts later in the week took some of that urgency out of the market. Wheat ended on a strong note, while corn still appears rangebound unless weather becomes more threatening.
Outlook: Grains will remain highly weather-driven, but without a meaningful crop threat, prices may struggle to push much higher from current levels.
Dairy
Cheese prices moved higher last week while much of the rest of the dairy complex stayed softer, and both cheese and butter remain below year-ago levels. Seasonal milk declines, strong butter demand, and improving export interest are offering some near-term support, but a growing milk cow herd could limit stronger upside.
Outlook: Dairy prices may firm modestly in the short term, but ample milk supplies should keep any sustained rally in check.
Beef
Beef production remains below last year as cattle slaughter stays tight, and while boxed beef values softened again last week, ground beef input costs are still exceptionally high. Domestic lean trim continues to set records, although imported beef remains a lower-cost alternative and may ease further in the near term.
Outlook: Expect beef markets to stay mixed, with some relief on imported trim but continued pressure from tight cattle supplies and elevated ground beef costs.
Pork
Pork production increased and remains above last year, helping keep the category competitively priced overall. Last week’s gains were driven mainly by bellies and hams, while ribs, loins, butts, and picnics moved lower, reinforcing pork’s value position versus other proteins.
Outlook: Pork should remain one of the more favorable protein options near term, although slower herd growth could keep prices from falling too far later in the year.
Poultry
Chicken supply continues to run ahead of last year, which is keeping most poultry prices under pressure. Breast meat has held up better than other cuts, while tenders and boneless skinless thighs have weakened; wings were the big exception, jumping higher for a second straight week, though they still remain well below last year’s levels.
Outlook: Chicken pricing should remain fairly manageable in the near term, though wing prices may stay volatile and any slowdown in production could start to firm the market later this summer.
Seafood
Salmon continues to be one of the steadiest seafood items, with only minor month-to-month movement after a sharp correction earlier in the year. Prices remain well below last year, but the market now appears to be searching for a more stable footing rather than repeating last summer’s steep declines.
Outlook: Salmon prices are likely to remain relatively flat in the months ahead, with only limited upside potential later in the year.