News

Red meat stocks down 2%

Total red meat supplies in the nation’s freezers declined 2 percent in October. The monthly Cold Storage Report from USDA says beef supplies were down slightly at 423.8 million pounds, pork stocks were 4 percent lower at 606.1 million pounds. Poultry supplies declined 6 percent during the month, total chicken stocks were unchanged at 648 million pounds and turkey stocks dropped 13 percent to 454 million pounds.

Compared to a year ago, total red meat supplies are up 14 percent, beef up 2 percent and pork supplies are 24 percent higher. Poultry stocks are about the same as the end of October in 2011, chicken in cold storage is down 7 percent but turkey stocks are 12 percent higher.