PED pushes hogs higher

Tight market-ready supplies and rising pork prices caused U.S. cash hogs and futures to rise.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, which kills piglets, is reducing the hog supply. Some U.S. east coast packers are cutting slaughter to four days a week from five.

Iowa, southern Minnesota hogs delivered to slaughter plants traded at $77 to $77.50 US per hundredweight, up from $72.50 to $73 Feb. 28.

The estimated pork cut-out value at plant for March 7 was $111.99 per cwt., up from $105.11 Feb. 28.

U.S. federal slaughter to March 8 totalled 2.072 million, down 2.155 million the previous week. Slaughter totalled 2.198 million last year at the same point.

Bison steady

The Canadian Bison Association said Grade A bulls with desirable weights reached $3.90 per pound hot hanging weight. Grade A heifers sold up to $3.75.

Quality 2013 bull calves weighing 400-500 lb. reached $2.45 per lb. live weight, and 500-600 lb. bulls reached $2.14.

Heifers born in 2013 weighing 300-400 lb. reached $2.10 per lb., and 400-500 lb. heifers reached $1.97 per lb.

In light trade, 2012 bulls and heifers 800-900 lb. were $1.90-$1.95 per lb.

Animals outside the desirable buyer specifications may be discounted.

Lambs steady

Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported 983 sheep and lambs and 19 goats traded March 3. Well-finished light lambs traded steady with heavy lambs selling steady to slightly higher. Sheep and goats sold steady.