Hog numbers climbing
SASKATOON (Staff) — It was no joke, but on April Fool’s Day hog inventories in Canada were estimated at a record 11.3 million head. It was up six percent from the same time last year.
It’s the third consecutive quarter that hog inventories in Canada were above 11 million. In the East, inventories were up five percent to 6.6 million head. In the West, inventories increased seven percent to 4.7 million head. Total slaughter and exports during the first quarter of 1994 were similar to last year.
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Cattle sold south
In fed cattle sales, there were plenty of cattle heading to the United States, said a Canfax report.
The close U.S. plants had ample inventory and the cattle were heading to Dakota City, Greeley and Hyrum. Local plants then dropped their prices. Sellers aren’t happy with the recent price decline, but seemed more willing to accept the recent happenings later in the week, Canfax reported.
The demand for feeder cattle in Western Canada remained good. Although buyers are more selective as to quality, color and frame, they still want cattle to place on grass. It’s expected the price will remain firm.
Lamb prices
In the lamb market the price for old-crop lambs is 82 cents a pound live weight, $1.70 for rail grade.
Prices are higher for new-crop lambs. Canada West is paying 87 cents a lb. live weight and $1.82/lb. rail grade.
Contracts are available for quality lambs. Call Andrew Tye at 1-800-363-6602 for more information.
