Fed cattle weaken
The Canfax average on steers was $88.94 per hundredweight, down $3.27 compared to the previous week and heifers averaged $88.96, down $3.14.
Volume dropped 35 percent to about 11,500 head. Feedlots did not sell below $88.50.
The cash to futures basis weakened again to $15.34 under compared to $13.96 under the week before.
Exports to the United States rose 47 percent to 12,335 head. That was 31 percent down from last year.
Seasonal low demand and poor packer margins will continue into the new year.
D1, 2 cows in Alberta were stronger at $31.05-$44 per cwt., with an average of $37.21 for the week, up $1.26 from the week before.
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Butcher bulls traded lower with a range from $37.30 to $58 and an average of $49.49.
Slaughter cow and bull exports totalled 4,398 head, Canfax said.
Slaughter cow trade will likely be slower with limited offerings for the next two weeks. Butcher bulls should continue to trade steady to slower.
Meat weaker
Choice cutouts fell $4.22 to $141.56 US and Select fell $4.41 to $132.73.
Beef trim prices held steady and generally saw moderate demand.
The Calgary wholesale price for delivery this week fell $3-$4 to $157-$158. Montreal was $2 lower at $167.
Fed cattle prices down
Alberta auction volume fell 26 percent to 52,457 head. That was 22 percent lower than last year.
Feeder cattle trade was lackluster. Depending on the packages of cattle on offer, premiums are being paid, Canfax said.
Yearling steers traded lower with 800-900 pounds and heavier falling $1.59-$1.73 per cwt. Yearling heifers in the same weight range were 10 cents-$1.79 lower.
Steer calves 300-400 lb. fell $1.83, while heifers in the same weight range fell $2.49.
Overall, steers averaged $1.81 lower and heifers were $1.46 lower.
Canadian feeder exports totalled 9,130 head two weeks ago, up from 6,314 head the previous week and down from 19,204 head last year.
With recent fed market volatility and Christmas approaching, buyer interest is expected to be limited and volumes will decline, Canfax said.
Bred cows traded steady with last year while bred heifers traded lower.
Bred cows were $620-$1,050 and bred heifers were $700-$1,075. Quality and age are still large factors, and prices should be steady to lower this week.
Hog prices steady
U.S. cash hog prices were mostly steady much of last week but weakened at the end.
Reflecting the weakening world economy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture last week lowered its estimate of 2008 pork exports to 4.77 billion lb., down from 5.07 billion a month ago, and estimated 2009 pork exports at 4.1 billion lb. from its November estimate of 4.5 billion.
Pork prices fell now that holiday ham buying is about done.
Iowa-southern Minnesota cash hogs were mostly steady last week but dipped at the end to $40-$40.50 US per cwt. Dec. 12, down from $42 the week before.
The U.S. pork carcass cut-out value was $60.04 Dec. 12, down from $61.77 Dec. 5.
U.S. federal slaughter to Dec. 13 was estimated at 2.34 million, down from 2.373 million the week before.
Bison prices weaken
The Canadian Bison Association said heifer prices dropped five cents and other types were steady.
Grade A carcasses from youthful bulls in the desirable weight range in Canada were mostly $2.30-$2.70, with an estimated average of $2.45 per lb. hot hanging weight.
Heifers were $2.20-$2.55 per lb. with an average of $2.25.
Cull cow and bull averages rose to $1.05 per lb., with sales to $1.30.
Weight, quality and delivery location affect final price.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture November bison report said young bulls were $215-$245 US with a weighted average of $241.36, up 1.37 from October. Young heifers were $205-$245 with a weighted average of $ 228.87 down $1.30.
Kramer Auction in North Battleford, Sask., said its Dec. 10 sale saw 2008 bulls, 450 lb. and heavier, average $1.67 per lb.
Bulls born in 2007 weighing 700-800 lb. averaged $1.33 per lb.
Heifers born in 2008 weighing 400-450 lb. averaged $1.25 per lb. while 2007 heifers 600-650 lb. averaged 91 cents per lb.
Lamb prices mixed
Beaver Hill Auction in Tofield, Alta., reported 880 sheep and lambs and 207 goats traded Dec. 8.
Lambs lighter than 70 lb. were $90-$125 per cwt. Lambs 75 to 85 lb. were $111-$121, 86 to 105 lb. were $112-$120, and those heavier than 105 lb. were $105-$122.50.
Rams were $35-$50 per cwt. Cull ewes were $30-$59 and bred ewes were $45-$59 per cwt.
Good kid goats were $135-$150. Poor and light goats were $70-$110. Nannies were $40-$60 per cwt. and mature billies were $114-$120.
Ontario Stockyards reported 2,903 sheep and lambs and 420 goats traded Dec. 8. Lambs saw good trade and heavier types fetched a premium.
Good sheep were $5-$7 per cwt. higher. Goats were firm.
