U.S. slaughter fell to less than two million head for the second week as several plants operated for only seven hours a day because of tight supplies of market ready hogs.Iowa-southern Minnesota cash hogs delivered to plants were $64 US per cwt. May 14, steady with $64 May 7.The U.S. pork carcass cut-out value twice topped $91 during the week and settled at $91.81 May 14, up from $89.45 May 7.U.S. federal slaughter to May 15 was estimated at 1.95 million, down from 1.99 million the previous week.The Canadian Bison Association said the demand and price of trim rose. Demand for middle cuts is picking up.Grade A youthful bulls younger than 30 months in the desirable weight range rose to $2.50 to $2.65 Cdn per lb. hot hanging weight.Grade A youthful heifers younger than 30 months in the desirable weight range rose to $2.35 to $2.50.Carcasses outside the desired weight ranges were discounted by up to 15 cents per lb.A tight supply of slaughter cows and bulls caused prices to rise to $1.70 hot hanging weight.Strong meat animal prices resulted in average prices of $1.85 per pound for 2009 bulls 425 to 625 lb. at Kramer Auction’s May 12 sale. Heifers 350 to 450 lb. averaged $1.60, 451 to 500 lb. averaged $1.51 and 501 to 610 lb. averaged $1.72. Volume sold was 253 head.Ontario Stockyards sold 1,112 sheep and lambs and 194 goats May 10. Sheep, lambs and goats were steady .Olds Auction in Olds, Alta., reported feeder lambs were $80 to $125. Ewes were $80 to $110, nannies were $70 to $130 and billies $90 to $140.
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