Hogs steady
U.S. hog prices were mostly steady.
Volumes are well up over last year at this time but carcass weights are down more than six pounds from last year.
Supermarkets are preparing to focus on pork and chicken after the end of U.S. National Beef Month in May and for Father’s Day later in June.
Iowa-southern Minnesota hogs delivered were US$59-$60 per hundredweight May 29, steady with $59.50 May 22.
U.S. hogs averaged $78.14 on a carcass basis May 29, up from $77.18 May 22. The U.S. pork cutout rose to $86.80 per cwt. May 29, up from $85.58 May 22.
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The estimated U.S. weekly slaughter for the week to May 30 was 1.856 million, down from 2.142 million the previous week.
Slaughter was 1.743 million last year at the same time.
The weaker loonie helped lift the Maple Leaf Signature 3 price to C$186.14 per 100 kilograms, up about $9 from the week before.
Bison steady
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 are offering US$4.10-$4.20 with returns dependent on exchange rates, quality and export costs.
Grade A heifers sold up to C$4.85. U.S. buyers were offering US$3.90.
Animals outside desirable buyer specifications may be discounted.
Light lambs weaken
Beaver Hill Auction in Tofield, Alta., reported 756 sheep and 42 goats sold May 25.
Wool lambs lighter than 54 lb. were $230-$310 per cwt., 55 to 69 lb. were $230-$290, 70 to 85 lb. were $230-$325, 86 to 105 lb. were $202.50-$240 and 106 lb. and heavier were $190-$217. Wool rams were $70-$168 per cwt. Cull ewes were $60-$157.
Hair lambs lighter than 54 lb. were $210-$270 per cwt., 55 to 69 lb. were $220-$270, 70 to 85 lb. were $225-$280, 86 to 105 lb. were $190-$230 and 106 lb. and heavier were $190-$205.
Hair rams were $75-$120 per cwt. Cull ewes were $130-$150 and ewe/lamb family were $250-$560 per unit.
Feeder kids lighter than 60 lb. were $230-$270. Good kid goats lighter than 70 lb. were $235-$275. Those heavier than 70 lb. were $235-$265 per cwt. Nannies were $95-$175 per cwt. Billies were $125-$160.
Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported that 1,313 sheep and lambs and 48 goats traded May 25.
All new crop lambs sold barely steady to slightly lower. Heavy lambs, sheep and goats sold steady.
