Hogs drift lower
U.S. hog prices slipped because packers had most of their needs met leading up to the week of Christmas when there will be a reduced slaughter.
Unusually mild weather in parts of the Midwest is causing pigs to grow faster, making them available to packers sooner.
Iowa-southern Minnesota hogs delivered were US$38.50-$39.00 per hundredweight Dec. 18, down from $40-$40.50 Dec 11.
U.S. hogs averaged $48.53 on a carcass basis Dec. 18, down from $50.96 Dec 11.
The U.S. pork cutout was $71.50 per cwt. Dec. 18, down from $74.41 Dec 11.
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The estimated U.S. weekly slaughter for the week to Dec. 18 was 2.493 million, down from 2.426 million the previous week.
Slaughter was 2.314 million last year at the same time.
The Canadian Signature three price Dec. 19 was C$127.51 per 100 kilograms, down from $129.23
Bison steady
The Canadian Bison Association said Grade A bulls in the desirable weight range sold at prices up to C$5.50 per pound hot hanging weight. U.S. buyers are offering US$4.25 with returns dependent on exchange rates, quality and export costs.
Grade A heifers sold up to C$5.35. American buyers are offering US$4.10.
Animals outside the desirable buyer specifications may be discounted.
Sheep stronger
Beaver Hill Auction in Tofield, Alta., reported that 1,082 sheep and 206 goats sold Dec 14.
Wool lambs lighter than 54 lb. were $205-$245 per cwt., 55-69 lb. were $215-$250, 70-85 lb. were $185-$234, 86-105 lb. were $156-$195 and 106 lb. and heavier were $148-$170.
Wool rams were $73-$130 per cwt. Cull ewes were $66-$126.
Hair lambs lighter than 54 lb. were $200-$230 per cwt., 55-69 lb. were $200-$235, 70-85 lb. were $176-$234, 86-105 lb. were $156-$179 and 106 lb. and heavier were $142-$162.
Hair rams were $77-$115 per cwt. Cull ewes were $77-$115.
Feeder kids lighter than 60 lb. were $185-$225. Good kid goats lighter than 70 lb. were $210-$250. Those heavier than 70 lb. were $210-$245 per cwt. Nannies were $125-$140 per cwt. Billies were $100-$180.
Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported that 2,638 sheep and lambs and 335 goats traded Dec. 14.
All well-finished new crop lambs and well-finished light weight goats sold at premium prices. Sheep sold $5-$7 cwt. higher. Heavy lambs sold barely steady. All other goats were steady.
