Hogs fall
Ample supply and lacklustre demand continued to weigh down hog prices.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s March 1 hogs and pigs report showed the market hog inventory was up eight percent from last year at the same time, weighing on nearby prices. However, the breeding herd was up less than expected at two percent, which will support prices later in the year.
Iowa-southern Minnesota hogs delivered were US$43 per hundredweight March 27, down from $45 March 20.
U.S. hogs averaged $55.28 on a carcass basis March 27, down from $56.90 March 20. The U.S. pork cutout dropped to $65.35 per cwt. March 27, down from $68.03 March 20.
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The estimated U.S. weekly slaughter for the week to March 28 was 2.270 million, up from 2.237 million the previous week.
Slaughter was 2.031 million last year at the same time.
Bison steady
The Canadian Bison Association said Grade A bulls in the desirable weight range sold at prices up to C$5 per pound hot hanging weight. U.S. buyers are offering US$4.10-$4.15 with returns dependent on exchange rates, quality and export costs.
Grade A heifers sold up to C$4.80. U.S. buyers are offering US$3.90.
Animals outside the desirable buyer specifications may be discounted.
Kramer Auction sold 380 head March 11 in a strong market. 2014 Bull calves born in 2014 that weigh 550 lb. sold for $3.80 with quality bull calves 350-550 lb. selling 20-50 cents higher.
Heifer calves born in 2014 that weigh more than 500 lb. averaged $3.47 with lighter classes selling at comparable prices.
Light lambs soar
Beaver Hill Auction in Tofield, Alta., reported that 621 sheep and 63 goats sold March 23. Light lambs were significantly higher than the March 9 sale.
Wool lambs lighter than 54 lb. were $260-$330 per cwt., 55-69 lb. were $240-$295, 70-85 lb. were $240-$273, 86-105 lb. were $196-$238 and 106 lb. and heavier were $173-$196.
Wool rams were $75-$130 per cwt. Cull ewes were $70-$150 and bred ewes were $220-$310 per head.
Hair lambs lighter than 54 lb. were $220-$338 per cwt., 55-69 lb. were $240-$305, 70-85 lb. were $240-$270, 86-105 lb. were $190-$210 and 106 lb. and heavier were $167-$177.
Hair rams were $73-$118 per cwt. Cull ewes were $80-$150 and ewe-lamb families were $250-$330 per unit.
Feeder kids lighter than 60 lb. were $230-$270. Good kid goats lighter than 70 lb. were $230-$265. Those heavier than 70 lb. were $225-$255 per cwt.
Nannies were $120-$150 per cwt. Billies were $125-$150.
Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported that 1,475 sheep and lambs and 270 goats traded March 23. New crop lambs sold at a premium.
Heavy lambs sold $7-$10 cwt. higher. Sheep sold steady. Good light goats also traded in premium ranges with all others steady.
