Hogs steady
U.S. cash hog prices were again mostly steady, although packer processing margins became negative and the pork cutout fell.
Analysts said packers would likely reduce slaughter to shore up margins, which was expected to pressure cash hogs lower this week.
Iowa-southern Minnesota hogs traded at $74.50 US per cwt. delivered to packing plants July 19, slightly up from $74 July 12.
The estimated pork cut-out value fell to $98.94 July 19, down from $101.48 July 12.
The estimated weekly U.S. slaughter to July 20 was 2.007 million, down from 2.038 million the previous week.
Last year’s total was 1.96 million.
Bison steady
The Canadian Bison Association said Grade A bulls in the desirable weight range averaged $3.50 Cdn per pound hot hanging weight with sales to $3.70. Grade A heifers sold at $3.45 with some sales to $3.55.
Animals older than 30 months and those outside the desirable buyer specifications may be discounted.
Sheep steady
Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported 1,573 sheep and lambs and 119 goats traded July 15.
All classes of sheep and lambs sold steady.
