Ample supply and record high carcass weights pressured hog prices down.
Pork prices also fell, but packer margins remain positive.
Ron Plain of the University of Missouri noted that the average carcass weight of barrows and gilts slaughtered the week ending Oct. 9 was 202 pounds, up one lb. from the week before and two lb. heavier than a year ago.
Iowa-Minnesota live weights have averaged 274 lb., up 4.9 lb. compared to a year earlier and a new record high. Better corn quality from the new harvest is said to be behind the weight gains.
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Iowa-southern Minnesota cash hogs delivered to plants fell to $47 US per hundredweight Oct. 22 from $49 Oct. 15.
The U.S. pork carcass cut-out value fell to $76.06 Oct. 22 from $81.07 Oct. 15. The U.S. federal slaughter estimate rose to 2.35 million from 2.26 million the week before.
BISON STILL HIGH
The Canadian Bison Association said prices remained record high because of tight supplies. Buyers are showing resistance to the high prices. Feeder prices are also high.
Grade A bulls in the desirable weight range rose to $3 to $3.45 per lb. hot hanging weight.
Grade A heifers in the desirable weight range rose to $3 to $3.45 per lb.
Older than 30 month animals and those outside the desirable weight range may be discounted.
Slaughter cows and bulls rose to $2.10 to $2.40.
Yearling feeders were $1.80 to $2.
LAMB MARKETINGS UP
Beaver Hill Auction in Tofield, Alta., reported 1,773 sheep and 286 goats sold Oct. 18.
Wool lambs lighter than 70 lb. were $151-$165 per cwt. Lambs 70 to 85 lb. were $153-$167, 86 to 105 lb. were $132-$153, and those heavier than 105 lb. were $128-$142.
Wool rams were $65-$80 per cwt. Cull ewes were $55-$65 and bred ewes were $76-$128.
Hair lambs lighter than 70 lb. were $120-$140 per cwt. Lambs 70 to 85 lb. were $122-$140, 86 to 105 lb. were $134-$143, and those heavier than 105 lb. were $120-$132.
Hair rams were $58-$75 per cwt. Cull ewes were $50-$66.
Good kid goats lighter than 50 lb. were $165-$195. Those heavier than
50 lb. were $160-$197.50 per cwt. Nannies were $60-$79 per cwt. Mature billies were $122.50-$147.50. Bred does were $90-$122.50
At the Oct. 19 sale at Olds Auction at Olds, Alta., feeder lambs were $70 to $150 per head. Ewes were $75 to $130. Nannies were $60 to $130. Billies were $70 to $175.
Ontario Stockyards sold 1,591 sheep and lambs and 138 goats Oct.
18. All classes of sheep, lambs and goats sold actively at mostly steady prices.
