Hog prices fall
U.S. hog prices fell because hog supply was ample and pork faces several demand challenges.
The discovery of avian flu in Missouri threatens poultry exports, raising the potential for a backup of supply into the domestic market that will compete with pork.
U.S. pork exports are complicated by the lingering backlog caused by the west coast labour dispute and the strong American dollar.
Iowa-southern Minnesota hogs delivered were US$46 per hundredweight March 13, down from $49 March 6.
U.S. hogs averaged $59.60 on a carcass basis March 13, down from $63.41 March 6. The U.S. pork cutout dropped to $67.48 per cwt. March 13, down from $68.82 March 6.
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The estimated U.S. weekly slaughter for the week to March 14 was 2.227 million, up from 2.222 million the previous week.
Slaughter was 2.024 million last year at the same time.
Bison strong
The Canadian Bison Association said Grade A bulls in the desirable weight range sold at prices up to C$5 per pound hot hanging weight.
U.S. buyers were offering US$4.10-$4.15 with returns dependent on exchange rates, quality and export costs.
Grade A heifers sold as high as C$4.80. U.S. buyers are offering US$3.90.
Animals outside the desirable buyer specifications may be discounted.
Lambs steady to stronger
Beaver Hill Auction in Tofield, Alta., reported 1,081 sheep and 81 goats sold March 9.
Wool lambs lighter than 54 pounds were $242-$256 per cwt., 55-69 lb. were $238-$258, 70 to 85 lb. were $225-$248, 86-105 lb. were $190-$228 and 106 lb. and heavier were $173-$190.
Wool rams were $77-$130 per cwt. Cull ewes were $68-$110 and bred ewes were $150-$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 $167-$177.
Hair rams were $73-$118 per cwt. Cull ewes were $78-$128.
Feeder kids lighter than 60 lb. were $180-$225. Good kid goats lighter than 70 lb. were $220-$260. Those heavier than 70 lb. were $225-$255 per cwt. Nannies were $120-$150 per cwt. Billies were $125-$150.
Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported that 758 sheep and lambs and 51 goats traded March 9.
A light run of lambs sold steady to stronger. Sheep traded at prices $5-$10 cwt. higher.
Goats sold steady.
