Hogs rally
The estimated U.S. hog slaughter last week hit another record high, up almost five percent from last year at the same time.
It was the fourth time in seven weeks that slaughter topped 2.5 million.
While slaughter was close to capacity, cash hog prices rose as packers shared their attractive processing margins. Colder weather this week could slow weight gains.
The U.S. national live price average for barrows and gilts was US$35.60 per cwt. Dec. 2, up from $31.95 Nov. 25.
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U.S. hogs averaged $47.13 on a carcass basis Dec. 2, up from $41.88 Nov. 25. The U.S. pork cutout was $73.25 per cwt. Dec. 2, down from $74.03 Nov. 25.
The estimated U.S. weekly slaughter for the week to Dec. 2 was 2.540 million, up from 2.152 million the previous week.
Slaughter was 2.423 million last year at the same time.
In Canada, the Dec. 3 Signature Five price was C$115.86 per 100 kilograms, up from $111.69 the previous week.
The price was $52.55 on a per hundredweight basis, up from $50.66 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, sheep steady
Beaver Hill Auction in Tofield, Alta., reported that 574 sheep and 191 goats sold Nov. 28.
Wool lambs lighter than 54 lb. were $201-$220 per cwt., 55-69 lb. were $211-$224, 70-85 lb. were $190-$212, 86-105 lb. were $185-$206 and 106 lb. and heavier were $170-$185.
Wool rams were $84-$107 per cwt. Cull ewes were $65-$140.
Hair lambs lighter than 54 lb. were $188-$220 per cwt., 55-69 lb. were $186-$214, 70-85 lb. were $174-$210, 86-105 lb. were $181-$205 and 106 lb. and heavier were $165-$186.
Hair rams were $74-$100 per cwt. Cull ewes were $70-$100.
Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported that 1,418 sheep and lambs and 69 goats traded Nov. 28.
All lambs opened trading at barely steady prices and closed higher. Sheep and goats sold steady.
