News Release

SPRING BRINGS NEW SHAPE TO THE YELLOW SHEET PORK MARKET

Toms River, NJ 05/07/01 — In response to customer requests, and in keeping with our commitment to provide the most meaningful market information available, the staff at Urner Barry's Yellow Sheet embarked on a mission to explore possible changes to its existing Pork Report.  A survey was circulated among the subscriber base and interviews conducted during a recent string of personal visits, industry meetings and phone conversations.  The changes detailed below are a culmination of these efforts.  We thank all of those who participated.

Urner Barry will begin a new series of price quotations to complement the existing Pork Report.  Changes to the Processing Items portion of the report will include the addition of the Inside, Outside and Knuckle portions of the Ham as well as the inclusion of Bacon Ends and Pieces.  Base prices will continue to be reflected on all size hams and bellies.

Retail Pork Cuts will see the most change, since our spot market quotation will be joined by an 8 to 14 day forward quotation.  Additionally, Loins will be quoted in 21/dn and 21/up weight ranges, 1/4" and 1/8" trim specs, and Sirloins added to the report.  Both 1/4" and 1/8" trim specs will be added to the Butt market, as well as Neck-Off and Steak Ready varieties.  St. Louis Style Ribs, Short Shank Picnics, Boneless Picnic Cushion and Ground Pork will be added to further complement the report.  Base prices will continue to be published in the loin, butt and rib markets.

No items were added to the current Sausage Materials report, but frozen sales to deliver 1-14 days on average from date of sale will be included.  This move should generate significantly more volume than the current one-week delivery period allows.  Base prices will continue to be published for Fresh 42% Trimmings, Fresh 72% Trimmings, Fresh Boneless Picnics and Fresh Skinned Jowls.

The Pork Varieties market will also be significantly altered by the changes.  The report will be expanded from its current 20 items to nearly 40, and trades will be accepted up to 14 days on average from the date of the sale.  Additionally, an export market will be developed, where applicable, that will reflect sales F.O.B. plant and delivering 7-21 days on average from the date of the sale.

Look for these changes beginning Monday, May 7, 2001.  Any questions or comments are encouraged and can be directed to either Jim Kenny, jkenny@urnerbarry.com or Bill Warner, bwarner@urnerbarry.com by e-mail or at 732-240-5330.

About Urner Barry Publications: Founded in 1858, Urner Barry Publications Inc. is the oldest and one of the largest privately held cash commodity reporting firms in the United States.  Urner Barry publishes timely accurate and unbiased market news and quotations for the red meat, poultry, egg and seafood Industries.

Source: Urner Barry Publications, Inc.

CONTACTS: Joe Muldowney, Urner Barry Publications, Inc.
                   732-240-5330

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