With low feed prices, producers are incentivized to hold onto cattle longer which is forcing beef packers to pay higher prices.  

Despite record highs for the beef cutout, strong consumer demand continues to support high beef prices.  

Heavier cattle carcass weights continue to help offset the reduced cattle supply.  

With cattle being kept on feed longer, grading for choice, premium, and prime remains strong. Availability for lower grades such as Select continues to be limited, which is supporting higher prices.  

• Ground beef pricing continues to trend downward as we approach the end of the year.  

• Ribeye pricing has momentarily decreased albeit slightly but remains at elevated levels. However, prices are expected to increase as both retail and foodservice demand ramps up for the holidays.  

• Striploin pricing has been relatively stable but is poised to strengthen as the striploin presents a better value in comparison to the higher priced ribeye.  

• Chuck flat pricing will be decreasing slightly in November, but the overall chuck complex remains surprisingly strong despite the high prices. 

• Chuck Roll prices will be decreasing significantly this month as there has been widespread pushback against the record high prices.  

• Sliced beef short rib pricing continues to remain at elevated levels due to limited availability of raw material.  

• Oxtail prices have been increasing due to limited cattle supplies and increased demand ahead of the colder winter month 

Moving forward, prices will remain high as beef packers are aiming to establish higher pricing levels for all beef cuts.  

As we approach the holidays, availability will be the primary issue for certain cuts due to the tight cattle supply and continued strong consumer demand. 

With seasonal softness in the marketplace, poultry prices continue to decline as there is an abundant supply relative to the demand. 

• BI Thighs – Availability for BI Thighs has improved resulting in lower prices over the coming weeks.  

• BL SL Thighs – BL SL Thigh prices continue to decrease as the supply exceeds consumer demand.  

• Leg meat – Chicken leg meat pricing has been declining more significantly as we approach November. 

• Breast meat – Breast meat prices have taken the sharpest decrease with retail demand tailing off.  

• Wings – Wing prices are showing signs of softness despite being in the thick of the NFL & college football seasons.  

• Turkey – Turkey prices remain high due to tight supplies and the resurgence of the HPAI bird flu affecting turkey flocks. 

Poultry Outlook – With high beef prices, poultry remains the protein of choice for consumers seeking value and affordability. 

With high beef and chicken prices, pork remains the best value for both the retail and food service segments.  

Retail demand for lower cost proteins such as sausages, hot dogs, canned meats, etc. has been supporting elevated pork prices. 

• Butts– Boneless butt pricing remains steady, however boneless picnic pricing has increased due to retailers featuring hot dogs & sausages prominently in their ad features.  

• Hams– Ham demand remains strong as tariffs have not negatively impacted exports to Mexico.  

• Back Ribs & Spare Ribs- Rib prices remain steady as retailers feature ribs as a lower cost protein option than beef. 

• Bellies- Domestic belly demand has been supporting higher prices as bacon is being featured prominently in retail ads. For bellies imported from Europe, higher prices are expected due to the impact of tariffs and reduced pork availability in Europe. 

Pork Outlook – With high beef prices, pork prices are expected to remain firm as retailers feature pork more heavily in their ad features. 

King Crab  

• Alaskan Red started on October 15th.  

• Quota was increased by 16% over 2024/2025 season. But still well below normal quotas from previous years (4.2million – 2020/2021).  

• Pricing should become available in the coming weeks. Expect pricing to remain firm. 

Mahi Mahi  

• Peruvian Season opened on October 1st, currently off to a slow start.  

• More boats will start heading out in the coming weeks.  

• Ono loins are a great option to Mahi Fillets/Loins. 

Pasteurized Canned Crabmeat (Blue and Red)  

• Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) is still planned to go into effect January 1, 2026.  

• Any product not offloaded before January 1st, will not be allowed into the country.  

•  There are some sources that are compliant. But, they will not be able to cover all the shortcomings.  

• Consider alternatives, Snow Crabmeat and Deep Sea Red Crabmeat 

Vanmei White Shrimp 

• Indonesian Shrimp through normal inspection has been found containing radioactive material (Cesium-137).  

• Through an investigation, the source was not the farm or manufacturing facilities.  It was from a steel factory nearby.  

• The factory inadvertently introduced the material by melting recycled medical or industrial equipment.  

• No contaminated products have been released for sale, all affected shipments have been isolated.  

• Beginning October 31st, 2025.  All Indonesian shrimp that are produced in the Java and Lampung Province will need to be inspected by an FDA-approved 3rd party.  

• Java and Lampung are the 2 largest shrimp producing regions in Indonesia. 

• Shipments that do not have the proper certification will be denied entry into the United States.  

• Majority of importers have shifted to Ecuador, Sri Lanka and other countries.