Hog futures bounce
U.S. cash hog prices were mostly stable last week, ignoring the rally in futures.
Investment fund buying propelled the stronger futures market. Analysts said there were hints that the market has hit bottom. Cheap pork prices and the weak U.S. dollar should spur demand.
After two weeks of disappointing U.S. sow slaughter, 68,214 sows were processed in the week ended Sept. 26, up 1.5 percent from a year ago.
Weights appear to have stabilized, indicating that the seasonal bulge in supply might have peaked.
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Iowa-southern Minnesota cash hogs delivered to plants were about $36.50 US per hundredweight Oct. 9, little changed from $36 Oct. 2.
The U.S. pork carcass cut-out value fell to $52.95 Oct. 9, down from $53.80 Oct. 2.
U.S. federal slaughter to Oct. 10 was estimated at 2.299 million, down from 2.329 million the previous week.
The strong Canadian dollar hurt prices in Canada.
Bison prices steady
The Canadian Bison Association said Grade A youthful bulls in the desirable weight range in Canada were $2.35-$2.60 per pound hot hanging weight.
Grade A youthful heifers were $2.25-$2.35 per lb. Cull cows and bulls sold from $1.35 to $1.40 per lb.
Weight, quality, age and delivery location affect final price.
Feeder lambs higher
Beaver Hill Auction in Tofield, Alta., reported 1,276 sheep and lambs and 226 goats traded Oct. 5. Feeder lambs rose $10 per cwt. Fat sheep were steady and culls sold up to $10 per cwt. lower. Goats were steady but hair and off-type sheep were hard to sell.
Lambs lighter than 70 lb. were $123-$142 per cwt. Lambs 75 to 85 lb. were $117-$136; 86 to 105 lb. were $114-$127; and those heavier than 105 lb. were $114-$122. Rams were $30-$89 per cwt. Ewe culls were $30-$60. Breeding ewes were $65-$84.
Good kid goats heavier than 50 lb. were $150-$202.50 per cwt. Nannies were $50-$85 per cwt. and mature billies were $80-$140.
Ontario Stockyards reported 2,188 sheep and lambs and 185 goats traded Oct. 5. Well-fed light lambs were steady. Thin and plain types were under downward pressure. Sheep and goats were steady.
