Hogs rise
Market-ready supply began to fall as it normally does this time of year, and packers had to pay more.
Demand for pork is rising for spring barbecues, and export demand is strong.
The U.S. national live price average for barrows and gilts was US48.75 per cwt. May 5, up from $43.25 April 28.
U.S. hogs averaged $64.20 on a carcass basis May 5, up from $56.21 April 28. The U.S. pork cutout was $77.74 per cwt. May 5, up from $74.46 April 28.
The estimated U.S. weekly slaughter for the week to May 6 was 2.262 million, down from 2.290 million the previous week.
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Slaughter was 2.217 million last year at the same time.
In Canada, the May 6 Signature Five price was C$151.95 per 100 kilograms, up from $142.41 the previous week.
The price was $68.92 on a per hundredweight basis, up from $64.60 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, lambs lower
Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported that 813 sheep and lambs and 32 goats traded May 1. With Easter and Jewish Passover over, the lamb market was down. New crop lambs sold actively at prices $30 to $40 cwt. lower. Heavies were $20 to $30 lower. Good lean sheep sold steady, and thicker types sold $5 to $10 cwt. lower. Goats held steady.
