Hog rally stalls
U.S. packers watched closely to see how pork sales fared over the Memorial Day long weekend.
They worried that forecasts for rainy weather in large parts of the United States would hurt demand.
U.S. plants were closed May 25.
American packers posted profitable margins last week after losing money for the previous few weeks.
Iowa-southern Minnesota hogs delivered were US$59.50 per hundredweight May 22, down from $60-$60.50 May 15.
U.S. hogs averaged $77.18 on a carcass basis May 22, down from $80.63 May 15. The U.S. pork cutout rose to $85.58 per cwt. May 22, up from $83.48 May 15.
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The estimated U.S. weekly slaughter for the week to May 23 was 2.147 million, up from 2.128 million the previous week.
Slaughter was 1.964 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-$4.20 with returns dependent on exchange rates, quality and export costs.
Grade A heifers sold up to C$4.85. U.S. buyers were offering US$3.90.
Animals outside the desirable buyer specifications may be discounted.
Sheep steady
Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported that 803 sheep and lambs and 22 goats traded May 19.
Lightweight lambs sold barely steady. All other lambs, sheep and goats sold steady.
