Hog slaughter record
The week’s U.S. slaughter set a new record high at 2.532 million, topping the previous record set two weeks previously.
As packers approach capacity, the hog price again weakened. Hog supply was ample.
Iowa State University calculations put the average net loss for hogs marketed in the state in September at -$15.77 per head. It was the first loss since January. Ron Plain and Scott Brown of the University of Missouri say the red ink will likely continue into spring.
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The U.S. national live price average for barrows and gilts was US$34.36 per cwt. Nov 4, down from $35 Oct. 28.
U.S. hogs averaged $42.68 on a carcass basis Nov 4, down from $44.48 Oct. 28.
The U.S. pork cutout was $73.34 per cwt. Nov 4, up from $72.89 Oct. 28.
The estimated U.S. weekly slaughter for the week to Nov 4 was 2.532 million, up from 2.401 million the previous week.
Slaughter was 2.362 million last year at the same time.
In Canada, the Nov. 4 Signature Five price was C$118.48 per 100 kilograms, down from $120.31 the previous week.
The price was $53.74 on a per hundredweight basis, down from $53.89 the previous week.
Bison steady
The Canadian Bison Association said Grade A bulls in the desirable weight range sold at prices 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 weaker
Beaver Hill Auction in Tofield, Alta., reported that 777 sheep and 141 goats sold Oct. 31.
Wool lambs lighter than 54 pounds were $178-$204 per cwt., 55-69 lb. were $180-$200, 70-85 lb. were $175-$200, 86-105 lb. were $172-$196 and 106 lb. and heavier were $164-$185.
Wool rams were $70-$100 per cwt. Cull ewes were $67-$105.
Hair lambs lighter than 54 lb. were $140-$175 per cwt., 55-69 lb. were $160-$185, 70-85 lb. were $174-$203, 86-105 lb. were $171-$198 and 106 lb. and heavier were $148-$172.
Hair rams were $90-$105 per cwt. Cull ewes were $50-$88.
Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported that 1,208 sheep and lambs and 126 goats traded Oct. 31.
Good goats sold actively at stronger prices. Sheep and lambs sold on a dull demand at lower prices.
