Hog prices fall
Falling pork prices and widening packer operating losses pressured U.S. hog cash prices lower.
The July 4 holiday midweek reduced packer demand for hogs.
The sweltering heat in the U.S. Midwest slowed hog weight gain.
Iowa-southern Minnesota hog traded at $72.50 US per cwt. July 6, down from $74.50 June 29.
U.S. pork carcass cut-out values fell to $90.13 July 6, down from $95.43 June 29.
Because of the July 4 holiday, the U.S. federal weekly slaughter was estimated at 1.76 million, down from 1.999 million the previous week.
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Although the U.S. breeding herd was up in the June 1 quarterly hogs and pigs report that was issued June 29, traders focused on the September-November farrowing intentions, which was down one percent from last year. That supported futures in 2013.
Bison prices steady
Inventory and demand appear in balance.
Grade A bulls in the desirable weight range were $3.65-$3.90 per pound hot hanging weight. Grade A heifers were $3.65-$3.90.
Animals outside the desirable weight range and parameters may be discounted.
Slaughter cows and bulls ranged from $1.60-$2.50.
In the live market, heifers born in 2011 were $2-$2.30 per lb. and bulls were $2.20-$2.40. Bulls and heifers born in 2010 were $1.90-$2.
Sheep, lambs down
Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported 859 sheep and lambs and 27 goats traded July 3. All classes of lambs sold on a dull demand: heavy lambs down by $8-$10 cwt. and light lambs $15-$20 cwt. lower. Sheep and goats sold steady.
