The late timing of Easter this year is having an impact on meat sales.
Easter is considered the third-biggest meat holiday behind Christmas and Thanksgiving. The holiday is three weeks later than last year, which is impacting year-over-year data.
While dollar sales grew due to inflation, pounds purchased dropped by more than 4%. That was driven by processed meat declines, which include smoked ham.
While March was negatively impacted by the holiday’s late timing, April sales are expected to receive a boost.
Related Stories
House ag leaders had hoped to get the Farm Bill voted on by Easter, but no dates have been secured just yet.
Lower production is tightening honey supplies across markets.
Diversification is critical as conservation reshapes rural economies.
Herd contraction remains gradual across North America.