Hogs little changed
The Easter ham demand has passed, and dealers are watching to see how spring grilling season demand shapes up.
The U.S. government’s quarterly hog report showed a small increase in the herd to a new record high during the December-January period. The data indicated that hog supplies should not become a burden in the coming months.
In Canada, the Maple Leaf Signature Three price was $67.23 per hundredweight, or $148.22 per 100 kilograms, down from $69.26 per cwt., or $152.69 per 100 kg, the previous week.
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Iowa-southern Minnesota hogs delivered were US$46-$47 per hundredweight March 24, down slightly from $46.50-$47.50 March 18. U.S. hogs averaged $61.44 per cwt. on a carcass basis March 25, up from $$60.12 March 18.
The U.S. pork cutout was $75.27 March 25, down from $76.35 March 18.
The estimated U.S. weekly slaughter for the week to March 26 was 2.18 million, down from 2.19 million the previous week.
Slaughter was 2.28 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 fluctuating 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$4.20.
Animals outside the desirable buyer specifications may be discounted.
Live bison prices continue strong.
New lambs steady
Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported that 1,903 sheep and lambs and 85 goats traded. All lambs traded at steady prices.
Good goats and most sheep sold steady with thicker type sheep and extremely thin ones $5-$10 per cwt. lower.
