ANALYSIS: Lamb and Veal Cold Storage Remains Tight Despite Modest April Gains

According to the latest USDA Cold Storage report, total frozen lamb and veal inventories in April 2025 were 19.627 million pounds, up 0.9% from March but still well below typical levels for this time of year. Compared to April last year, supplies were down 18% and nearly 24% below the three-year average, making it one of the lowest April totals in recent years—just slightly above 2006 and 2011 levels.

Lamb stocks rose modestly by 180,000 pound...

ANALYSIS: Retail Lamb Demand Peaks with Easter

Retail scanner data from Circana indicates that fresh lamb leg sales rose sharply in April, largely driven by Easter and the cultural traditions associated with the protein. For the week of April 20, 2025 (Easter week), sales totaled over $8.2 million—approximately $700,000 more than during Easter 2024, which occurred earlier in the year. While the average discounted price in 2024 was lower at $5.74 per pound, shoppers in 2025 paid an average of $6.03 per pound and still purchased nearly three times more volume than the prior week...

ANALYSIS: Record-Breaking Lamb Imports Surge into the US in 2024

The US lamb market hit a historic high in 2024, with imports surpassing a total of 195 million pounds of fresh and frozen lamb cuts, according to USDA data. Fresh imports led the increase, reaching 106.9 million pounds due to rising domestic demand. Frozen imports contributed another 88.8 million pounds, partly driven by concerns about potential disruptions from US pork strikes on the East and Gulf Coasts in late 2024 and early 2025.

Despite challenges, such as a narrowly avoided port strike last week, top...

How a Port Strike Could Ripple Through the Ag Sector

The port strike has entered its third day and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) has signaled that they are willing to resume negotiations with the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), but without preconditions made by the union. 

In an update provided Wednesday, USMX stated: "Reaching an agreement will require negotiating – and our full focus is on how to return to the table to further discuss these vital components, many of which are intertwined. We cannot agree to preconditions to return to bargaining – but we remain committed to bargaining in good...

Live Updates: Key Developments in the East and Gulf Coast Port Strike

October 3: The port strike has entered its third day and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) signaled that they are willing to resume negotiations with the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), but without preconditions made by the union. 

In an update provided Wednesday, USMX stated: "Reaching an agreement will require negotiating – and our full focus is on how to return to the table to further discuss these vital components, many of which are intertwined. We cannot agree to preconditions...