Cash hogs stronger
U.S. cash hog price rallied on winter weather that slowed deliveries.
However, pork prices did not rise, which squeezed packer profit margins and led to ideas that the rally might stall.
The large pork stocks built up during the U.S. west coast port disruptions still need to be cleared, and demand is down in the eastern United States because of cold weather.
Iowa-southern Minnesota hogs delivered were US$49.50-$50 per hundredweight Feb. 27, up from $42-$43 Feb. 20.
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U.S. hogs averaged $64.31 on a carcass basis Feb. 27, up from $58.41 Feb. 20. The U.S. pork cutout dropped to $70.51 per cwt. Feb. 27, down from $71.50 Feb. 20.
The estimated U.S. weekly slaughter for the week to Feb. 28 was 2.262 million, down from 2.28 million the previous week.
Slaughter was 2.142 million last year at the same time.
Bison still strong
The Canadian Bison Association said Grade A bulls in the desirable weight range sold at prices up to C$4.60 per pound hot hanging weight. U.S. buyers are offering US$4.10-$4.15 with returns dependent on exchange rates, quality and export costs.
Grade A heifers sold up to C$4.40. U.S. buyers are offering US$3.90.
Animals outside the desirable buyer specifications may be discounted.
In the live markets, Kramer Auction sold 465 head Feb. 12 in a strong market. Bull calves born in 2014 sold from $3.90-$4.20, while bulls born in 2013 that weighed 625-724 lb. averaged $3.32 per lb.
Heifer calves born in 2014 sold from $3.30-$3.50, with 600-725 lb. yearling heifers averaging $2.93.
Lambs steady
Beaver Hill Auction in Tofield, Alta., reported 768 sheep and 74 goats sold Feb. 23.
Wool lambs lighter than 54 lb. were $242-$256 per cwt., 55-69 lb. were $247-$268, 70-85 lb. were $235-$257, 86-105 lb. were $199-$237 and 106 lb. and heavier were $172-$187.
Wool rams were $73-$95 per cwt. Cull ewes were $63-$110 and bred ewes were $175-$310 per head.
Hair lambs lighter than 54 lb. were $220-$240 per cwt., 55-69 lb. were $222-$236, 70-85 lb. were $210-$230, 86-105 lb. were $190-$210 and 106 lb. and heavier were $165-$177.
Hair rams were $73-$118 per cwt. Cull ewes were $78-$128.
Feeder kids lighter than 60 lb. were $195-$225. Good kid goats lighter than 70 lb. were $220-$330. Those heavier than 70 lb. were $225-$255 per cwt. Nannies were $120-$150 per cwt. Billies were $130-$150.
Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported that 975 sheep and lambs and 59 goats traded Feb. 23. All classes of lambs sold steady. Good lean sheep sold at a premium, while fatter and thin types sold lower. Goats sold steady.
