Hog prices steady
U.S. packers had negative margins early in the week but edged into positive territory late, once they were able to force cutouts higher.
Iowa-southern Minnesota live hogs traded mostly steady during the week and were $64 US per hundredweight Feb. 17, the same as Feb. 10.
The U.S. pork carcass cut-out value closed at $86.87 Feb. 17, up from $85.14 Feb. 10.
The U.S. federal weekly slaughter estimate was 2.15 million, up from 2.13 million the previous week.
Bison steady
The Canadian Bison Association said grade A bulls in the desirable weight range were steady at $3.80-$3.90 per pound hot hanging weight. Grade A heifers were $3.60-$3.90. The market remained under pressure because of the strong loonie and better supply.
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Animals older than 30 months and those outside the desirable weight range may be discounted.
Slaughter cows and bulls averaged $2.40-$2.70.
In the live market, heifers born in 2011 were $2-$2.50 and bulls were $2.25-$2.75.
Bulls and heifers born in 2010 were $2-$2.10.
Sheep report
Beaver Hill Auction in Tofield, Alta., reported 828 sheep and 346 goats sold Feb. 13.
Wool lambs lighter than 70 lb. were $240-$268 per cwt., 70-85 lb. were $225-$254, 86-105 lb. were $190-$215 and 106 lb. and heavier were $176-$198.
Wool rams were $85-$110 per cwt. Cull ewes were $72-$91 and bred ewes were $240-$340 per head.
Hair lambs lighter than 70 lb. were $225-$238 per cwt., 70-85 lb. were $219-$230, 86-105 lb. were $180-$200 and 106 lb. and heavier were $170-$188.
Hair rams were $85-$97 per cwt. Cull ewes were $91-$104.
Good kid goats lighter than 50 lb. were $215-$255. Those heavier than 50 lb. were $200-$257.50 per cwt. Nannies were $87-$116 per cwt. Billies were $112.50-$172.50.
Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported 1,087 sheep and lambs and 74 goats traded Feb. 13.
Lambs sold barely steady to lower. Sheep traded steady. Goats sold actively at higher prices.
