U.S. hogs lower
While the weaker Canadian dollar helped support cash hog prices in Canada, the U.S. market weakened on improving market-ready supply.
The United States is proposing to change its hog grading standards to include colour and fat marbling, putting greater emphasis on factors that affect flavour. If implemented, the new grading would be more like that for beef.
The U.S. national live price average for barrows and gilts was US$48.93 per hundredweight Nov. 3, down from $49.78 Oct. 27.
U.S. hogs averaged $62.33 on a carcass basis Nov. 3, down from $64.41 Oct. 27. The U.S. pork cutout was $73.96 per cwt. Nov. 3, down from $77.56 Oct 27.
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The estimated U.S. weekly slaughter for the week to Nov. 4 was 2.453 million, down from 2.526 million in the previous week.
Slaughter was 2.532 million last year at the same time.
In Canada, the average for the week to Nov. 4 Signature Five price was C$154.83 per 100 kilograms, up from $151.94 the week before.
On a per hundredweight basis, the average price was $70.23, up from $68.92 the week before.
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$4.75 or more 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$4.50. Animals outside the desirable buyer specifications may be discounted.
Lambs, sheep lower
Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported 1,299 sheep and lambs and 39 goats sold Oct. 30. Poor quality light lambs sold under pressure at $10-$15 cwt. lower.
Heavy lambs traded $5-$7 cwt. lower on a dull demand. Thicker sheep sold $5-$7 cwt. lower. Lean sheep traded $5-$10 cwt. lower. Goats sold barely steady.
Beaver Hill Auction in Tofield, Alta., reported 1,105 sheep and 101 goats sold Oct. 30.
Wool lambs lighter than 54 lb. were $180-235 per cwt., 55 to 69 lb. were $200-$235, 70 to 85 lb. were $190-$218, 86 to 105 lb. were $187-$201 and 106 lb. and heavier were $178-$190.
Wool rams were $85-$250 per cwt. Cull ewes were $85-$149.
Hair lambs lighter than 54 lb. were $175-$220 per cwt., 55 to 69 lb. were $175-$206, 70 to 85 lb. were $176-$195, 86 to 105 lb. were $170-$190 and 106 lb. and heavier were $165-$190.
Hair rams were $87-$125 per cwt. Cull ewes were $85-$140.
