Hog herd numbers drop
Canada’s total hog inventory declined slightly from a year ago, according to Statistics Canada numbers released this week.
As of April 1, the total number of hogs was 12,111,000, down one percent from 1998 when there was a head count of 12,189,000. While the breeding population remains the same as last year, there are fewer boars over six months of age. There were 57,700 in 1999 compared to 60,400 in 1998.
The only category to show a significant increase is the under-20 kilogram pigs. There are 3.8 million in this range, up seven percent over last year’s census for this same period.
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Market hog prices are showing some improvement during the past week.
Manitoba hog prices were estimated at $121 per ckg including premiums.
A shortage of market hogs in Quebec raised hog prices relative to those in other provinces. Some hogs have apparently been shipped from Manitoba to Quebec plants that paid an average $133 last week.
Saskatchewan marketings were down 4.7 percent compared to the week before. However, prices were slightly stronger at $119 per ckg, up $9. Alberta was $114 to $120.
June hog futures prices climbed this week although analysts are unsure whether cash prices will follow. June futures on lean hogs closed at $58.57, up $2.97. August futures are at $59.82 while October is $56.25.
Beef trade waiting
A countervail announcement on live cattle anticipated for May 4 is expected to have an overall effect on fed prices, reports Canfax. This past week fed cattle remained steady from last week and volumes were down. Some cattle were passed in response to soft bids while others in the higher quality levels received better bids.
Feeders were also steady on lower volumes of calves as producers head to the fields to start spring seeding.
