Hogs steady
U.S. hog prices were mostly steady because packers had no trouble obtaining hogs, even as the weather warms and hog weight gain slows.
A weaker Canadian dollar will help support Canadian hog prices.
Iowa-southern Minnesota hogs delivered were US$58 per hundredweight July 17, little changed from $57.50-$58 July 10.
U.S. hogs averaged $75.05 on a carcass basis July 17, down from $76.85 July 10. The U.S. pork cutout rose to $82.42 per cwt. July 17, up from $80.79 July 10.
The estimated U.S. weekly slaughter for the week to July 18 was 2.09 million, up from 2.073 million the previous week.
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Canadian grain, oilseed and pulse exports are off to a slow start, but there are some bright spots, according to the Canadian Grain Commission’s most recent weekly export data report.
Slaughter was 1.837 million last year at the same time.
Bison price strong
The Canadian Bison Association said Grade A bulls in the desirable weight range sold at prices up to C$5.20 per pound hot hanging weight. U.S. buyers are offering US$4.25 with returns dependent on exchange rates, quality and export costs.
Grade A heifers sold up to C$5. U.S. buyers are offering US$4.10.
Animals outside the desirable buyer specifications may be discounted.
Lambs lower
Beaver Hill Auction in Tofield, Alta., reported 1,008 sheep and 79 goats sold July 13.
Wool lambs lighter than 54 lb. were $215-$265 per cwt., 55-69 lb. were $231-$260, 70-85 lb. were $215-$240, 86-105 lb. were $193-$215 and 106 lb. and heavier were $192-$208.
Wool rams were $53-$115 per cwt. Cull ewes were $45-$130.
Hair lambs lighter than 54 lb. were $205-$240 per cwt., 55-69 lb. were $206-$230, 70-85 lb. were $205-$225, 86-105 lb. were $190-$210 and 106 lb. and heavier were $188-$205.
Hair rams were $58-$76 per cwt. Cull ewes were $57-$97.50 and ewe-lamb family were $130-$210 per unit.
Feeder kids lighter than 60 lb. were $230-$265. Good kid goats lighter than 70 lb. were $230-$315. Those heavier than 70 lb. were $260-$315 per cwt. Nannies were $100-$172.50 per cwt. Billies were $170-$225.
Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported that that 1,300 sheep and lambs and 174 goats traded July 13.
Light lambs sold barely steady. All other lambs traded under extreme pressure at prices $2.50 cwt. lower. Sheep and goats sold steady.
