HEAT SLOWS HOG GAIN
The Midwest heat wave stressed hogs and slowed weight gain.
The heat prevented hog shipping, and packers had to pay up to get supply last week.
Prices were also supported by talk that China is buying large amounts of pork. South Korea and Russia might also be in the market.
The Chicago hog August contract rose $1.875 US over the week.
Iowa-southern Minnesota cash hogs delivered to plants were $70 US per hundredweight July 22, about steady with July 15.
The U.S. pork carcass cut-out value was $98.93 July 22, down from $100.07 July 15.
The U.S. federal slaughter estimate was 2.01 million, down from 2.02 million the previous week.
BISON STILL STRONG
The Canadian Bison Association said grade A bulls in the desirable weight range were $4-$4.15 per pound hot hanging weight. Grade A heifers were $3.90-$4.10.
Animals older than 30 months and those outside the desirable weight range may be discounted.
Slaughter cows and bulls averaged $2.75.
SHEEP STEADY
Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported 1,289 sheep and lambs and 39 goats traded July 18. All classes of sheep, lambs and goats sold at steady prices.
