Hogs slightly lower
The U.S. volume of market-ready hogs increased, and packers picked up slaughter to handle the extra numbers.
Plants were willing to pay up to secure supply and process meat last week in advance of reduced production this week, when many plants close Aug. 5.
Iowa-southern Minnesota hogs were slightly lower at $74.50 US per hundredweight delivered to packing plants Aug. 2, down from $75-$75.50 July 26. The estimated pork cut-out value was $104.02 Aug. 2, up from $99.50 July 26.
Estimated weekly U.S. slaughter to Aug. 3 was 2.022 million, up from 1.988 million the previous week.
Last year’s total was 2.040 million.
Bison steady
The Canadian Bison Association said Grade A bulls in the desirable weight range averaged $3.50 Cdn per pound hot hanging weight with sales to $3.70. Grade A heifers sold at $3.45 with sales to $3.55.
Animals older than 30 months and those outside the desirable buyer specifications may be discounted.
Sheep, lambs strong
Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported 1,527 sheep and lambs and 146 goats traded July 29. All lambs and goats sold actively at strong prices. Sheep traded $10 cwt. higher.
