February 24, 2026
This week’s insights on key commodities and market shifts—powered by CommodityONE, exclusively for Dining Alliance members.
Poultry
USDA young chicken harvest jumped to 178.4 million head, up 6.4% week over week and 5.6% year over year, helping stabilize most major cuts. Boneless skinless breasts ticked up to $1.47/lb (up 16.5% month over month but still down 11% year over year), wings held at $1.21/lb, and thigh meat continues to post year-over-year gains. Turkey markets remain significantly elevated due to ongoing HPAI-related supply constraints, while egg prices fell week over week but remain volatile.
Outlook: With harvest volumes rebounding after earlier storm disruptions, chicken prices appear to be moderating. Expect relative stability in most cuts near term, though turkey and eggs will remain sensitive to disease pressures and supply disruptions.
Beef
Cattle futures pushed higher with February contracts reaching $247.50/cwt, while choice and select cutouts softened slightly. Rib and loin cuts posted modest gains, including boneless heavy ribeye at $10.79/lb, while chuck rolls slipped to $4.82/lb. Ground beef 81% moved higher to $3.69/lb. Harvest volumes remain slightly lower, continuing to lend support to boxed beef values.
Outlook: Despite February’s typical seasonal demand lull, tighter harvest levels and strong forward brisket sales should keep beef prices supported. Operators may continue to see firmness in middle meats and briskets as we move toward spring demand.
Pork
The pork cutout edged higher to $96.28/cwt with strength across several primals. Boneless pork butts rose to $1.47/lb, supported by strong international movement, including 169 loads sold last week. Bellies and ribs posted gains, while retail demand remains soft. Lower harvest volumes provided additional support.
Outlook: Pork is expected to trend steady to slightly firmer in the coming weeks. While domestic retail demand is soft, rebuilding freezer inventories and improving export activity should help maintain price stability.
Seafood
Frozen Alaskan pollock prices jumped 18.3% month over month in December trade data, reaching their highest point since last February. The market has rebounded faster than expected after 2025’s sharp declines.
Outlook: Prices are expected to soften in March, potentially dipping toward the $1.40/lb range in April before gradually climbing again later in the year. Extreme volatility seen in prior years may ease somewhat, though swings remain likely.
Produce
Tomatoes and lettuce led produce volatility, with 25 lb. romas holding above $15/carton amid struggling Eastern supply. Iceberg lettuce gains are slowing, suggesting potential relief ahead. Broccoli climbed for a fourth consecutive week and could approach $50/carton if Mexico’s supply and quality issues persist.
Outlook: Tomatoes may stay elevated longer than anticipated, while lettuce could begin easing in the coming weeks. Broccoli remains a watch item, though demand resistance may cap further upside if prices push too high.
The Kitchen Sink
Dairy
Cheese prices climbed, with CME blocks up to $1.51/lb and barrels at $1.47/lb. Butter increased to $1.78/lb, though year-to-date butter remains significantly below last year and the five-year average. Production is running near capacity, and export demand is providing additional support.
Outlook: Growing manufacturing output is helping keep dairy competitive globally, but moderate foodservice demand and steady exports suggest prices may hold firm in the near term rather than spike sharply.
Grains
Soybeans and wheat extended their rally, while corn slipped slightly after failing to break above $4.40. Speculative fund activity appears to be contributing to recent strength, particularly in soybean oil, despite large stock levels and uncertainty around 2026 biofuel blending targets.
Outlook: Grain markets may remain volatile as policy decisions and fund activity drive price swings. Operators should expect continued choppiness rather than clear directional trends in the short term.
