Hogs steady
U.S. packers remained well supplied in the week leading up to the August holiday, when many plants close for a day.
However, plants might try to make up with increased slaughter later in the week because their operating margins have improved as pork belly prices rise but hog prices remain mostly steady.
Hot, humid weather in the central United States is slowing weight gain.
Iowa-southern Minnesota hogs delivered were US$57.50 per hundredweight July 31, little changed from $57-$57.50 July 24.
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U.S. hogs averaged $74.42 on a carcass basis July 31, up from $74.29 July 24.
The U.S. pork cutout rose to $87.48 per cwt. July 31, up from $84.66 July 24.
The estimated U.S. weekly slaughter for the week to Aug. 1 was 2.137 million, up from 2.101 million the previous week.
Slaughter was 1.87 million last year at the same time.
Bison steady
The Canadian Bison Association said Grade A bulls in the desirable weight range sold at prices of up to C$5.25 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$5.05. U.S. buyers are offering US$4.10.
Animals outside the desirable buyer specifications may be discounted.
Lamb prices rise
Beaver Hill Auction in Tofield, Alta., reported that 1,123 sheep and 201 goats sold July 27.
Wool lambs lighter than 54 lb. were $195-$240 per cwt., 55-69 lb. were $220-$247.50, 70-85 lb. were $201-$235, 86-105 lb. were $190-$220 and 106 lb. and heavier were $175-$190.
Wool rams were $55-$85 per cwt. Cull ewes were $50-$130.
Hair lambs lighter than 54 lb. were $190-$215 per cwt., 55-69 lb. were $194-$230, 70-85 lb. were $197-$225, 86-105 lb. were $170-$190 and 106 lb. and heavier were $162-$180.
Hair rams were $56-$81 per cwt. Cull ewes were $57-$100.
Feeder kids lighter than 60 lb. were $220-$255. Good kid goats lighter than 70 lb. were $230-$270. Those heavier than 70 lb. were $250-$295 per cwt. Nannies were $95-$152.50 per cwt. Billies were $112.50-$152.50.
Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported that 1,043 sheep and lambs and 38 goats traded July 27.
All class of lambs sold $5-$7 cwt. higher. Goats sold steady. Sheep traded $5-$8 cwt. higher.
