HOGS CLOSE LOWER
Strong cash bids midweek sparked rumours of new U.S. pork exports.
There was talk that culling of South Korean herds because of foot-and-mouth disease would lead to that country importing more pork.
Also, traders hoped that settlement of a trucking dispute between the United States and Mexico would cause Mexico to lower a five percent tariff on U.S. pork.
Iowa-southern Minnesota cash hogs delivered to plants were strong midweek, but fell to $52 US per cwt. Jan. 7 from $54.50 to $55 Jan. 30.
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The U.S. pork carcass cut-out value was $78.55 Jan. 7, up from $76.81 Dec. 30.
U.S. federal slaughter estimate was 2.19 million head, up from 1.93 million during the holiday-shortened week.
BISON REMAIN STRONG
The Canadian Bison Association said grade A bulls in the desirable weight range were $3.25-$3.55 Cdn per pound hot hanging weight.
Grade A heifers in the desirable weight range were $3.25-$3.40.
Animals older than 30 months and those outside the desirable weight range may be discounted.
Slaughter cows and bulls were $2.50.
Feeder bulls and heifers born in 2010 are trading privately for $2.10- $2.25 per lb. while 2009 feeders are $2.05-$2.10.
Market stakeholders say they are seeing fewer heifers, indicating producers are potentially retaining breeding animals.
LIGHT LAMBS STRONGER
Ontario Stockyards reported 1,698 sheep and lambs and 38 goats traded Jan. 3. Light lambs were steady to stronger and heavy lambs were a little lower.
Goats were steady and sheep were $10-$15 lower in active trade.
