HOGS DOWN

Packers were cautious buyers while they waited to see the U.S. Thanksgiving demand for pork.

The U.S. national live price average for barrows and gilts was US$44.17 per hundredweight Nov. 24, down from $45.69 Nov. 17.

U.S. hogs averaged $57.10 on a carcass basis Nov. 24, down from $56.96 Nov. 17. The U.S. pork cutout was $82.32 per cwt. Nov. 24, up from $80.96 Nov. 17.

The estimated U.S. weekly slaughter to Nov. 25 was 2.163 million, down from 2.46 million the previous week. Slaughter was 2.152 million last year at the same time.

In Canada, the average Signature Five price for the week to Nov. 25 was C$141 per 100 kilograms, down from $144.91 the previous week. The average price was $63.96 on a per cwt. basis, down from $65.73 the previous week.

LOONIE WEIGHS ON BISON

The Canadian Bison Association said Grade A bulls in the desirable weight range sold at prices up to C$6 per pound hot hanging weight with the stronger loonie taking the top off the market. U.S. buyers are offering US$4.75 or more with returns dependent on exchange rates, quality and export costs.

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

LAMBS STRONGER

Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported that 936 sheep and lambs and 83 goats sold Nov. 17. Good new crop lambs sold at a premium. Heavy lambs sold spotty at barely steady prices. Good lean sheep sold $5-$10 per cwt. higher while other were steady. Good goats were steady.

Beaver Hill Auction in Tofield, Alta., reported that 663 sheep and 96 goats sold Nov. 20.

Wool lambs lighter than 54 pounds were $184-$20 per cwt., 55-69 lb. were $210-$230, 70-85 lb. were $194-$220, 86-105 lb. were $186-$209 and 106 lb. and heavier were $174-$184.

Wool rams were $100-$129 per cwt. Cull ewes were $75-$179.

Hair lambs lighter than 54 lb. were $150-$190 per cwt., 55-69 lb. were $173-$220, 70-85 lb. were $194-$215, 86-105 lb. were $170-$196 and 106 lb. and heavier were $165-$178.