Hog prices edge lower
Buying for the U.S. Memorial Day holiday wrapped up, but the seasonal tight supply helped prevent a serious price slide.
An outbreak of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus in the U.S., a disease that affects only pigs, is not expected to hurt pork demand.
The trade hopes that the strong price of beef will cause consumers to buy more pork.
Stocks of U.S. pork in cold storage April 30 were record large, up almost six percent over last year at the same time.
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Iowa-southern Minnesota hogs traded at $68-$69 US per cwt. May 24 delivered, down from $70 May 17.
The estimated pork cut-out value was $94.92 May 24, up from $93.48 May 17.
Estimated U.S. slaughter to May 25 was 2.054 million, up from 2.030 million the previous week. Last year it was 2.07 million.
Bison steady
The Canadian Bison Association said Grade A bulls in the desirable weight range sold at prices up to $3.70 Cdn per pound hot hanging weight. Contracted animals sold at prices up to $3.75. Grade A heifers sold up to $3.60 with contracts to $3.65.
Animals older than 30 months and those outside the desirable buyer specifications may be discounted.
In the live market, quality 2012 bulls sold up to $2.32 per lb. and 2011s sold at $1.60.
Heifers from 2012 sold up to $1.53 per lb and 2011s sold at $1.50.
Light lambs strong
Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported 900 sheep and lambs and 10 goats traded May 21. Light well-fed lambs sold strong. Heavy lambs and goats traded steady. Sheep sold barely steady to $5 cwt. lower.
