U.S. hogs dip lower
Retailers had most of their holiday needs met. Pork buying will slow until retailers measure how sales have gone.
The U.S. national live price average for barrows and gilts was US$46.60 per hundredweight Dec. 15, down slightly from $46.94 Dec. 8.
U.S. hogs averaged $56.47 on a carcass basis Dec. 15, down from $59.10 Dec. 8.
The U.S. pork cutout was $77.57 per cwt. Dec. 15, down from $83.70 Dec. 8.
The estimated U.S. weekly slaughter to Dec. 16 was 2.578 million, up from 2.537 million the previous week. It was 2.502 million last year at the same time.
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In Canada, the Dec. 16 Signature Five price was C$143.62 per 100 kilograms, up slightly from $143.60 the previous week. The loonie fell back below US78 cents Dec. 15, providing some lift to Canadian prices.
The price was $65.15 on a per hundredweight basis, up from $65.14.
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$4.75 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.
Animals outside the desirable buyer specifications may be discounted.
New crop lambs up
Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported that 1,818 sheep and lambs and 258 goats sold Dec. 11. New crop lambs sold at higher premium prices. Heavier type lambs sold under pressure at $10- $15 cwt. lower. Sheep sold $10-$15 cwt higher. Good light goats brought a premium. All other goats sold steady.
Beaver Hill Auction in Tofield, Alta., reported that 1,252 sheep and 134 goats sold Dec. 11.
Wool lambs lighter than 54 lb. were $200-245 per cwt., 55- 69 lb. were $200-$245, 70-85 lb. were $195-$224, 86-105 lb. were $180-$206 and 106 lb. and heavier were $173-$181.
Wool rams were $85-$140 per cwt. Cull ewes were $85-$141.
Hair lambs lighter than 54 lb. were $176-$225 per cwt., 55-69 lb. were $200-$235, 70-85 lb. were $192-$220, 86-105 lb. were $180-$196 and 106 lb. and heavier were $165-$178.
