HOG PRICE RISES
Strong pork prices helped support stronger bids for hogs in the United States.
U.S. pork exports in February were up 7.2 percent compared to 2010.
Prices might soften this week as plants close for Easter.
Iowa-southern Minnesota cash hogs delivered to plants rose to $69 US per hundredweight April 15, up from $67 April 8. The U.S. pork carcass cut-out value climbed to $96.57 April 15 from $94.60 April 8.
The U.S. federal slaughter estimate was 2.028 million head, down from 2.069 million the previous week.
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BISON PRICES RISE
Weather is slowing bison weight gain, adding to the supply shortage. Heifers are held back for breeding.
The Canadian Bison Association said grade A bulls in the desirable weight range were $3.70-$3.85 Cdn per pound hot hanging weight. Grade A heifers were $3.65-$3.85.
Animals older than 30 months and those outside the desirable weight range may be discounted.
Slaughter cows were $2.60-$2.70 and bulls were $2.60-$2.90.
One sale reported 2010 bison calves fetched $2.40-$2.50 per lb. live weight with some going higher. Bred heifers fetched $1,700-$2,200.
LAMBS STEADY
Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported 3,350 sheep and lambs and 497 goats traded April 11. All lambs and good sheep were steady. Fatter sheep were under pressure. Goats sold steady to stronger.
Beaver Hill Auction in Tofield, Alta., reported 1,292 sheep and 314 goats sold April 11.
Wool lambs lighter than 70 lb. were $195-$221 per cwt., 70-85 lb. were $188-$220, 86-105 lb. were $180- $196 and 106 lb. and heavier were $172-$188.
Wool rams were $62-$75 per cwt. Cull ewes were $58-$69 and bred ewes were $185-$325 per head.
Hair lambs lighter than 70 lb. were $165-$190 per cwt., 70-85 lb. were $176.50-$200, 86-105 lb. were $185- $202.50 and 106 lb. and heavier were $168-$187. Hair rams were $55-$70 per cwt. Cull ewes were $62-$77.
Good kid goats lighter than 50 lb. were $145-$190 per cwt. Those heavier than 50 lb. were $160-$205 per cwt. Nannies were $70-$89 per cwt. Billies were $110-$130.
