Hogs lower again
U.S. cash hog markets struggled again with ample supply and rising carcass weighs as weather warmed, allowing faster growth.
The U.S. national live price average for barrows and gilts was US47.25 per cwt. April 7, down from $50.25 March 31.
U.S. hogs averaged $58.17 on a carcass basis April 7, down from $61.38 March 31. The U.S. pork cutout was $75.28 per cwt., down from $75.40 March 31.
The estimated U.S. weekly slaughter for the week to April 8 was 2.306 million, down from 2.343 million the previous week.
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Slaughter was 2.159 million last year at the same time.
In Canada, the April 8 Signature Five price was C$154.93 per 100 kilograms, down from $160.54 the previous week.
On a per hundredweight basis, the price was $70.28, down from $72.82 the previous week.
Bison steady
The Canadian Bison Association said Grade A bulls in the desirable weight range sold at prices up to C$6.30–$6.50 per pound hot hanging weight. U.S. buyers are offering US$4.75 with returns dependent on exchange rates, quality and export costs.
Grade A heifers sold up to C$6-$6.30. U.S. buyers are offering US$4.50. Animals outside the desirable buyer specifications may be discounted.
Sheep mixed
Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported that 1,733 sheep and lambs and 135 goats traded April 3. Fancy light weight lambs sold at a premium. All other new crop lambs sold at about steady prices. Heavy type lambs sold barely steady. Good sheep sold $5-$7 lower. Fat and heavy sheep faced more pressure. Goats sold barely steady.
