Hog prices retreat
U.S. packers slowed operations and bought fewer high-priced hogs last week, causing cash prices to retreat.
Hog futures turned lower as the market debates the impact of porcine epidemic diarrhea on pig numbers.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s March 28 hogs and pigs report indicated that the herd is larger than expected, which weighed on prices.
Record heavy hog weights are creating more pork product, which pressured wholesale pork prices.
Iowa, southern Minnesota hogs delivered to slaughter plants fell to $95 US per hundredweight April 4, down from a record $97-$98 March 28.
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The estimated pork cut-out value at plant climbed to $133.74 per cwt. April 2 but fell to $130.99 April 4, down from $131.32 March 28.
U.S. federal slaughter to April 5 was estimated at 2.030 million, down from 2.033 million the previous week. slaughter totalled 2.097 million last year at the same point.
Bison Steady
The Canadian Bison Association said Grade A bulls with desirable weights were $4 Cdn per pound hot hanging weight. Grade A heifers sold up to $3.85.
No new live market data was available.
Animals outside the desirable buyer specifications may be discounted.
Heavy lambs fall
Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported 2,169 sheep and lambs and 88 goats traded March 31. All well-finished light lambs sold actively at strong prices while heavy lambs were under pressure at prices $15-$20 cwt. lower. Good sheep sold $3-$5 cwt. lower, with fatter types under pressure at $5-$10 cwt. lower.
Good kid goats sold steady, and others were lower.
