HOG Price weakens
Packers had met the Easter ham demand and some plants will close for Good Friday this week, so U.S. hog prices dipped.
In Canada, the Maple Leaf Signature Three price was $69.26 per hundredweight, or $152.69 per 100 kilograms, which was down from $70.33 per cwt., or $155.04 per 100 kg, the previous week.
Iowa-southern Minnesota hogs delivered were US$46.50-$47.50 per cwt. March 18, down from $47.50-$49.50 March 11.
U.S. hogs averaged $60.12 per cwt. on a carcass basis March 18, down from $62.40 March 11.
The U.S. pork cutout was $76.35 March 18, up from $76.08 March 11.
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The estimated U.S. weekly slaughter for the week to March 19 was 2.19 million, down from 2.24 million the previous week.
Slaughter was 2.24 million last year at the same time.
Dollar affects bison
The Canadian Bison Association said Grade A bulls in the desirable weight range have been fetching prices up to C$6 per pound hot hanging weight, but the stronger Canadian dollar could shift the market.
U.S. buyers were offering US$4.35 with returns dependent on exchange rates, quality and export costs.
Grade A heifers were selling up to C$5.75. U.S. buyers were offering US$4.10.
Animals outside the desirable buyer specifications may be discounted.
New lambs steady
Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported that 1,984 sheep and lambs and 121 goats traded March 14.
New crop lambs traded about steady.
Most other lambs were steady except for overweight lambs, which sold under extreme pressure.
Good kid goats sold in premium ranges.
Sheep and all other goats traded barely steady.
