Hogs level out

After many weeks of lower prices, U.S. cash hogs bottomed out on hopes that the usual seasonal tightening of supply has begun.

The U.S. national live price average for barrows and gilts was US43.25 per cwt. April 28, up from $42.80 April 21.

U.S. hogs averaged $56.21 on a carcass basis April 28, up from $53.41 April 21.

The U.S. pork cutout was $74.46 per cwt. April 28, down from $75.47 April 21.

The estimated U.S. weekly slaughter for the week to April 29 was 2.290 million, up from 2.287 million the previous week.

Slaughter was 2.136 million last year at the same time.

In Canada, the April 29 Signature Five price was C$142.41 per 100 kilograms, down from $143.36 the previous week.

On a per hundredweight basis, the price was $64.60, down from $65.03 the previous week.

Bison steady

The Canadian Bison Association said Grade A bulls in the desirable weight range sold at prices up to C$6.30-$6.50 per pound hot hanging weight.

U.S. buyers are offering US$4.75 with returns dependent on exchange rates, quality and export costs.

Grade A heifers sold up to C$6-$6.30. U.S. buyers are offering US$4.50.

Animals outside the desirable buyer specifications may be discounted.

Post Easter prices

Beaver Hill Auction in Tofield, Alta., reported that 336 sheep and 59 goats sold April 24.

Wool lambs lighter than 54 lb. were $215-275 per cwt., 55-69 lb. were $240-$270, 70-85 lb. were $231-270, 86-105 lb. were $203-$230 and 106 lb. and heavier were $199-$210.

Wool rams were $90-$102 per cwt. Cull ewes were $90-$175.

Hair lambs lighter than 54 lb. were $200-$269 per cwt., 55- 69 lb. were $230-$254, 70-85 lb. were $220-$245, 86-105 lb. were $188-$200 and 106 lb. and heavier were $187-$195.

Hair rams were $85-$115 per cwt. Cull ewes were $102-$127.

Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported that 842 sheep and lambs and 40 goats traded April 24.

All lambs sold at prices back to the pre-Easter trade. Sheep and goats sold steady.