Slaughter volume up
Competition between two major Alberta packers that recently increased kill capacity brought slaughter cattle price increases of $2-$3 per hundredweight last week with a moderate volume of 14,000.
The rise did not follow through to higher beef prices. Packers are asking for a $3 per cwt. increase to $160 in Montreal for this week, but that won’t cover the increase in live cattle, said Canfax.
Beef movement is sluggish and may remain so until after Easter.
The outlook for fed cattle remains good because the supply of market-ready animals will be tight until finished calves start arriving in about a month.
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The fed market supported the feeder side. Heavier cattle held firm, but lighter weight feeders gained $1-$2 a cwt.
Canfax expects good prices to continue for cattle under 650 pounds, but those over 850 lb. might slip.
Hog market stabilizes
The hog market returned to supply and demand fundamentals after several weeks of strong premiums caused by the Alberta packer war.
U.S. prices hit $54 a cwt. but dropped to about $52.50 Friday. Pork prices are expected to improve as retailers stock up with Easter hams.
Lamb prices
Canada West Foods in Alberta paid $2.40 per lb. for slaughter lambs last week. Feeder lambs were $1.10-$1.30 per lb. for 50-60 lb. lambs and $1.10-$1.25 a lb. for 60-80 lb. lambs.
Saskatchewan prices were $1.21 for over 80 lb. and $1.25 for less than 80 lb.
