HOGS HIGHER

Good export demand for pork and strong packer margins pushed cash hog prices higher in the United States.

The offshore demand, especially from China, is making a big difference at a time in the season when rising supply usually pressures prices lower.

Twenty-two percent of U.S. pork production is dedicated to exports, market sources told Reuters.

Iowa-southern Minnesota cash hogs delivered to plants rose to $70 US per hundredweight Oct. 7, up from $67.50 Sept. 30.

Cash U.S. pork carcass cut-out value closed at $97.65 Oct. 7, down from $98.06 Sept. 30.

The U.S. federal weekly slaughter estimate was 2.34 million, up from 2.25 million the previous week.

BISON STEADY

The Canadian Bison Association said grade A bulls in the desirable weight range were $3.85-$4 per pound hot hanging weight. Grade A heifers were $3.80-$4.

Animals older than 30 months and those outside the desirable weight range may be discounted.

Slaughter cows and bulls averaged $2.80.

ALTA. SHEEP STRONGER

Beaver Hill Auction in Tofield, Alta., reported 1,519 sheep and 168 goats sold Oct. 3.

Wool lambs lighter than 70 lb. were $205-$240 per cwt., 70-85 lb. were $180-$220, 86-105 lb. were $172-$197 and 106 lb. and heavier were $170-$188.

Wool rams were $70-$85 per cwt. Cull ewes were $65-$75 and bred ewes were $180-$210 per head.

Hair lambs lighter than 70 lb. were $187-$214 per cwt., 70-85 lb. were $170-$195, 86-105 lb. were $155-$180 and 106 lb. and heavier were $150-$173.

Hair rams were $70-$92 per cwt. Cull ewes were $65-$75.

Good kid goats lighter than 50 lb. were $200-$235. Those heavier than 50 lb. were $200-$237.50 per cwt. Nannies were $75-$95 per cwt. Billies were $100-$141.

Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported 1,544 sheep and lambs and 165 goats traded Oct. 3. All classes of lambs sold steady, while feeder lambs traded stronger. Sheep and goats were steady.