Hogs under pressure
An ample supply of market-ready hogs kept downward pressure on American prices.
Plants closed because of Hurricane Matthew reopened and the weekly slaughter total was strong.
The United States national live price average for barrows and gilts was US$34.42 per hundredweight Oct. 21, down from $36.63 on Oct. 14.
U.S. hogs averaged $46.21 on a carcass basis Oct. 21, up from $46.15 Oct. 14.
The U.S. pork cutout was $72.07 per cwt. Oct. 21, down from $73.38 Oct. 14.
The estimated U.S. weekly slaughter for the week to Oct. 22 was 2.514 million, up from 2.304 million the previous week.
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Slaughter was 2.322 million last year at the same time.
In Canada, the Oct. 21 Signature Five price was C$120.35 per 100 kilograms, down from $122.39 the week before.
On a per hundredweight basis, the price was $54.59 down from $55.52 the week before.
Bison steady
The Canadian Bison Association said Grade A bulls in the desirable weight range sold at prices of up to C$6-$6.25 per pound hot hanging weight. U.S. buyers are offering US$4.60 with returns dependent on exchange rates, quality and export costs.
Grade A heifers sold up to C$5.75-$6 U.S. buyers are offering US$4.40.
Animals outside the desirable buyer specifications may be discounted.
Lambs steady to stronger
Beaver Hill Auction in Tofield, Alta., reported 758 sheep and 139 goats sold Oct. 17.
Wool lambs lighter than 54 lb. were $195-$214 per cwt., 55 to 69 lb. were $189-$210, 70 to 85 lb. were $178-$203, 86 to 105 lb. were $178-$204 and 106 lb. and heavier were $187-$195.
Wool rams were $75-$155 per cwt. Cull ewes were $67-$139.
Hair lambs lighter than 54 lb. were $170-$195 per cwt., 55 to 69 lb. were $170-$195, 70 to 85 lb. were $167-$180, 86 to 105 lb. were $179-$197 and 106 lb. and heavier were $185-$193.
Hair rams were $80-$120 per cwt. Cull ewes were $65-$88.
Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported that 1,195 sheep and lambs and 114 goats traded Oct. 17.
Light lambs sold higher. Heavy lambs sold steady. Good sheep sold barely steady and good goats sold actively at slightly higher prices.
