Cash hogs lower
Packers had an ample supply and hog prices fell last week, despite a strong rally in the hog futures market.
Futures rallied on worries that porcine epidemic diarrhea virus is spreading in the U.S. and will reduce the number of slaughter pigs in coming months.
As of Oct. 18, the disease was on 828 premises in 18 states, up 59 from the previous week.
Speculation that high beef prices could spur demand for pork also lifted futures.
Iowa-southern Minnesota hogs delivered to packing plants fell to $64.50 US per hundredweight Oct. 22, down from $69 Oct. 18.
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The estimated pork cut-out value jumped to $95.65 per cwt. Oct. 18 but drifted back to $94.33 by Oct. 23, little changed from $94.30 Oct. 15.
Estimated weekly U.S. slaughter to Oct. 23 was 2.262 million, down from 2.297 million Oct. 19.
Slaughter was 2.369 million last year in the same week.
Ron Plain and Scott Brown of the University of Missouri noted that hog slaughter has been lower than expected for 14 consecutive weeks based on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s September hogs and pigs report.
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 sales to $3.55.
Animals older than 30 months and those outside the desirable buyer specifications may be discounted.
Sheep and lambs steady
Beaver Hill Auction in Tofield, Alta., reported 1,627 sheep and 182 goats sold Oct. 21.
Wool lambs lighter than 70 lb. were $118-$145 per cwt., 70-85 lb. were $128-$144, 86-105 lb. were $121-$165 and 106 lb. and heavier were $115-$160.
Wool rams were $45-$76 per cwt. Cull ewes were $30-$55 and bred ewes were $80-$135 per head.
Hair lambs lighter than 70 lb. were $120-$139 per cwt., 70-85 lb. were $122-$130, 86-105 lb. were $122-$130 and 106 lb. and heavier were $121-$126.
Hair rams were $40-$65 per cwt. Cull ewes were $40-$70 and bred ewe lambs were $100-$160 per head.
Good kid goats lighter than 50 lb. were $160-$215. Those heavier than 50 lb. were $160-$215 per cwt. Nannies were $45-$75 per cwt. Billies were $117.50-$155.
Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported 1,963 sheep and lambs and 94 goats traded Oct. 21. All lambs sold steady to the pre-holiday market. Good sheep sold steady. Goats were barely steady.
