Pork prices rise
Signs that pork shortages in China will lead to more pork exports from the United States are helping to lift hog futures. Rising domestic pork prices also supported hog values.
The average slaughter weight of barrows and gilts in Iowa-Minnesota last week was 281.9 pounds, down 1.2 pounds from the week before, but up one pound from the same week last year.
The United States national live price average for barrows and gilts was $60.84 per hundredweight June 17, up from $59.14 on June 10.
U.S. hogs averaged $79.81 on a carcass basis June 17, up from $77.39 June 10. The U.S. pork cutout was $87.70 per hundredweight June 17, up from $86.32 June 10.
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The estimated U.S. weekly slaughter for the week to June 17 was 2.16 million, up from 2.086 million the previous week. Slaughter was 2.132 million last year at the same time.
In Canada, the Signature Three price for the week ending June 18 was C$85.29 per hundredweight or $188.04 per 100 kilograms, up from $83.09 and $183.19, respectively, the previous week.
Canadian pork exports to China in the first four months of this year totalled $154.5 million, up about 500 percent by value from the same period last year.
Total pork exports in the same period were $1.02 billion, up 13.4 percent.
Bison steady
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. U.S. buyers are offering US$4.45 with returns dependent on exchange rates, quality and export costs.
Grade A heifers sold for up to C$5.75 U.S. buyers are offering US$4.35.
Animals outside the desirable buyer specifications may be discounted.
Sheep prices steady
Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported that 1,011 sheep and lambs and 84 goats traded June 13. Sheep and lambs sold on a selective trade at mostly steady prices. Goats sold barely steady.
