Hog prices soar
The quarterly U.S. hogs and pigs report was bullish, showing that the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus had reduced the American herd more than expected.
The hog herd as of June 1 was down five percent from the previous year at 62.128 million head.
U.S. hog cash prices soared last week as packers eagerly bought while their profit margins are strong. Pork demand was expected to be strong as Americans fired up barbecues for the July 4 holiday.
However, pork demand usually weakens in July as temperatures rise and people turn to lighter fare.
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Iowa-southern Minnesota hogs delivered to plant rose to $94 US per hundredweight June 27, up from $89 the previous week.
On a carcass basis, U.S. hogs averaged $124.50 per cwt. June 27, up from $121.22 June 20.
The U.S. pork cutout rose to $132.99 June 27, up from $127.48 June 20.
U.S. estimated weekly slaughter for the week to June 28 was 1.910 million, up from 1.899 million the previous week.
Slaughter was 2.019 million last year at the same time.
Bison steady
The Canadian Bison Association said finished bison prices remained stable for the past week.
Grade A bulls in the desirable weight range reached $4 Cdn per pound hot hanging weight.
Grade A heifers sold at prices up to $3.85.
Animals outside the desirable buyer specifications may be discounted.
Heavy lambs stronger
Beaver Hill Auction in Tofield, Alta., reported 827 sheep and 162 goats sold June 23.
Wool lambs lighter than 54 lb. were $160-$215 per cwt., 55-69 lb. were $170-$210, 70- 85 lb. were $170-$205, 86-105 lb. were $158-$186 and 106 lb. and heavier were $160-$175.
Wool rams were $50-$98 per cwt. Cull ewes were $45-$127.50.
Hair lambs lighter than 54 lb. were $150-$200 per cwt., 55- 69 lb. were $155-$190, 70-85 lb. were $155-$192, 86-105 lb. were $150-$172 and 106 lb. and heavier were $150-$166.
Hair rams were $46-$88 per cwt. Cull ewes were $50-$89 and ewe-lamb families were $200-$250 per unit.
Feeder kids lighter than 60 lb. were $165-$225.
Good kid goats lighter than 70 lb. were $225-$260. Those heavier than 70 lb. were $220-$265 per cwt. Nannies were $60-$95 per cwt. Billies were $110-$150.
Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported 1,995 sheep and lambs and 73 goats traded June 23.
Sheep, goats and light lambs sold steady, while heavy lambs traded $3-$5 cwt. higher.
