Hogs
Record-large U.S. hog and pork production is outpacing demand.
Export demand is a little lower than it was in spring, and beef prices that are more reasonable this year are providing more competition at the meat counter.
Ron Plain and Scott Brown of the University of Missouri say fourth quarter U.S. hog slaughter this year is expected to be two percent higher than last year, which had its own record setting weeks.
More slaughter records are likely as a result, which means extremely low hog prices are also likely.
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The U.S. national live price average for barrows and gilts was $49.71 per cwt. Aug. 5, down from $51 July 29.
U.S. hogs averaged $62.84 on a carcass basis Aug. 5, down from $65.99 July 29.
The U.S. pork cutout was $76.95 per cwt. Aug. 5, down from $79.39 July 29.
The estimated U.S. weekly slaughter for the week to Aug. 5 was 2,193 million, up from 2,184 million the previous week.
Slaughter was 2,124 million last year at the same time.
In Canada, the Signature Three price Aug. 6 was C$157.87 per 100 kilograms or $71.61 per hundredweight.
The previous week it was $169.94 and $75.27.
Bison steady
The Canadian Bison Association said Grade A bulls in the desirable weight range sold at prices up to C$6 per pound hot hanging weight.
U.S. buyers are offering US$4.45 with returns dependent on exchange rates, quality and export costs.
Grade A heifers sold up to C$5.75. U.S. buyers are offering US$4.35.
Animals outside the desirable buyer specifications may be discounted.
Sheep stronger
Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported that 350 sheep and lambs and 31 goats traded Aug. 1.
A very light offering of sheep, lambs and goats sold actively at much higher prices.
