The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Dec. 30 reported the U.S. hog herd at 65.807 million head, or 98 percent of a year ago. The average trade estimate was for 97.7 percent of a year ago.
The breeding herd was 5.85 million head, or 97 percent of a year earlier, which is close to the average of trade expectations.
However, a 2.6 percent increase in pigs per litter offset much of the decline in breeding stock.
The report was seen as mildly negative for prices because the herd is not shrinking enough to restore sustainable profits.
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Bad weather in the United States made it difficult to deliver hogs last week, helping to lift prices despite some slaughter plants being closed several days during the Christmas-New Years period.
Iowa-southern Minnesota cash hogs delivered to plants rose to $48 US per hundredweight Dec. 31, up from $46.50 Dec. 18.
The U.S. pork carcass cut-out value was $67.32 Dec. 30, down from $67.89 on Dec. 24.
U.S. federal slaughter to Dec. 30 was estimated at 1.3 million, down from 1.29 million the previous week.
The bison report is not available this week.
Beaver Hill Auction in Tofield, Alta., reported 896 sheep and 76 goats traded Dec. 21.
In wool sheep, lambs to 69 pounds were $155-$166 per cwt., 70 to 85 lb. were $148-$162, 86 to 105 lb. were $134-$148 and 106 lb. and heavier were $120-$130.
Ewes were $55-$68 and bred ewes were $75-$124.
Rams were $53-$75.
Doeling kids to 46 lb. were $142.50-$170, 50 to 69 lb. were $170-$192.50 and 70 to 90 lb. were $160-$177.50.
Billy kids to 49 lb. were $170-$190 and 50 to 100 lb. were $170-$196.
Nannies were $65-$85. Billies were $120-$140.
Ontario Stockyards sold 590 sheep and lambs and 61 goats Dec. 28.
Light lambs and goats were steady. Heavy lambs and sheep traded $10 per cwt. higher.
