Hogs steady
U.S. packers maintained bids to coax deliveries to match their strong slaughter plans.
Good operating profits encouraged packers to maintain an elevated slaughter pace.
Iowa-southern Minnesota hogs delivered were US$40-$40.50 per hundredweight Dec. 11, steady with $40.50 Dec. 4.
U.S. hogs averaged $50.96 on a carcass basis Dec. 11, steady with $50.92 Dec 4.
The U.S. pork cutout was $74.41 per cwt. Dec. 11, up from $73.73 Dec. 4
The estimated U.S. weekly slaughter for the week to Dec. 12 was 2.426 million, up from 2.424 million the previous week.
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Slaughter was 2.262 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$5.50 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$5.35. U.S. buyers offered US$4.10.
Animals outside the desirable buyer specifications may be discounted.
Sheep trade higher
Beaver Hill Auction in Tofield, Alta., reported 753 sheep and 62 goats sold Dec 7.
Wool lambs lighter than 54 lb. were $235-$250 per cwt., 55-69 lb. were $235-$260, 70-85 lb. were $202-$237, 86-105 lb. were $170-$208 and 106 lb. and heavier were $151-$175.
Wool rams were $73-$150 per cwt. Cull ewes were $66-$166.
Hair lambs lighter than 54 lb. were $235-$250 per cwt., 55-69 lb. were $235-$251, 70-85 lb. were $201-$220, 86-105 lb. were $163-$189 and 106 lb. and heavier were $152-$162.
Hair rams were $76-$110 per cwt. Cull ewes were $97-$125.
Feeder kids lighter than 60 lb. were $185-$220. Good kid goats lighter than 70 lb. were $210-$260. Those heavier than 70 lb. were $220-$260 per cwt. Nannies were $90-$172.50 per cwt. Billies were $137.50-$175.
Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported that 1,812 sheep and lambs and 70 goats traded Dec 7.
All well-finished new crop lambs and well-finished goats sold at a premium. All other lambs were steady. Sheep traded $5cwt. higher.
