Hog slaughter slows
U.S. hog slaughter companies sharply limited production early this week because of poor margins and tight hog supplies.
Weak pork exports and domestic demand are weighing down pork prices when normally slaughter plants would be enjoying the highest cut-out values of the year.
Packers hope Russia might soon resume fully unrestricted imports of pork.
Iowa-southern Minnesota cash hogs were $43 US per cwt. July 9, steady with July 2.
The U.S. pork carcass cut-out value was below $55 early last week, recovering to $58.18 July 10.
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U.S. federal slaughter to July 11 was estimated at 1.957 million, down from 1.892 million the previous week. Compared to the same week last year, slaughter was down 9.3 percent.
Bison steady
The Canadian Bison Association said markets were steady last week.
Grade A carcasses from youthful bulls in the desirable weight range in Canada were steady at $2.35-$2.65 Cdn hot hanging weight. Heifers were $2.25-$2.45 per lb.
The cull cow and bull average was $1.40 per lb.
Weight, quality, age and delivery location affect final price.
Sheep steady
Ontario Stockyards reported 1,592 sheep and lambs and 81 goats traded June 29. All classes of lambs and goats were steady and sheep prices were slightly stronger.
