U.S. packers increased bids to get supply for a full week of slaughter following the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
Iowa-southern Minnesota cash hogs delivered to plants rose to $54.50 to $55 US per cwt., up from $50 to $51 Dec. 23.
The U.S. pork carcass cut-out value was $76.81 Dec. 30, down from $77.67 Dec. 23.
U.S. federal slaughter estimate for the holiday shortened week was 1.65 million head, down from 1.7 million the previous week.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture said there were 64.325 million hogs on U.S. farms as of Dec. 1, or 99.2 percent of a year earlier. The breeding herd was 5.778 million, or 98.8 percent, and the market hog inventory was 58.547 million, or 99.2 percent.
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Those numbers were slightly below the averages of pre-report trade estimates.
BISON REMAIN STRONG
The Canadian Bison Association said the outlook for tight supply into 2011 is causing concern among packers.
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.
Older than 30 month animals and those outside the desirable weight range may be discounted.
Slaughter cows and bulls were $2.20 per lb.
Live prices for steers and heifers are steady at about $2.20 per lb. Yearlings are $2-$2.30 per lb.
Bred heifers and good cows are $2,000-$3,500 per head.
WOOL LAMB PRICES UP
Beaver Hill Auction in Tofield, Alta., reported 652 sheep and 188 goats sold Dec. 20.
Wool lambs lighter than 70 lb. were $198-$218 per cwt., 70-85 lb. were $180-$198, 86-105 lb. were $165-$183 and 106 lb. and heavier were $156- $163.
Wool rams were $82-$100 per cwt. Cull ewes were $80-$90 and bred ewes were $100-$145.
Hair lambs lighter than 70 lb. were $180-$190 per cwt., 70-85 lb. were $170-$182, 86-105 lb. were $157-$168 and 106 lb. and heavier were $150- $160.
Hair rams were $82-$98 per cwt. Cull ewes were $85-$95.
Good kid goats lighter than 50 lb. were $132.50-$160. Those heavier than 50 lb. were $140-$175 per cwt. Nannies were $78-$88 per cwt. Billies were $100-$135.
Ontario Stockyards reported 902 sheep and lambs and 67 goats traded Dec. 29. Light lambs and goats sold actively at lower prices. Sheep and heavy lambs were steady.
