While most ranchers may fire up the grill all year round, it often takes a bit warmer of weather for consumers to follow that trend. And the boxed beef market suggests spring weather might be on the consumer's mind. Even though it's still bitter cold in many places across the country, retailers are already starting to book product for the upcoming grilling rally. That increased focus on primal cuts pushed the weekly Choice cutout higher.
The weekly average Choice cutout, which includes all types of sales, including the daily Choice cutout, was $215.0. This was $2.90 higher following last year’s trend, but still higher. All four of the major primals were higher which helped to push the cutout up. Additionally, we saw big out-front sales again for Choice Rib primal cuts. These cuts were much higher priced as retailers start to book product for the upcoming grilling season rally.
There were 6,956 total loads sold for the week which was 431 loads higher than the previous week. The big jump in sales volume for exports and out-front sales pushed the four-week moving average of total weekly sales higher than any time in the last three years.
