Hog prices steady
U.S. cash hog prices might have peaked after a good run-up to the high demand Easter season.
Hog futures set contract highs last week on speculative investment and support from tight beef supplies.
China agreed to lift a ban on U.S. pork, imposed during the H1N1 flu scare a year ago. However, buying is not expected in the short term because China has a surplus of pork.
USDA put average Iowa-Southern Minnesota hog weight at 270.5 pounds two weeks ago, up from 268.7 lb. last year.
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Under the federal herd reduction program, Canadian hog farmers will take another 32,000 sows out of production for a total reduction of 136,000 head or 10 percent.
Iowa-southern Minnesota cash hogs delivered to plants were $51 US per hundredweight, steady with $51 March 12.
The U.S. pork carcass cutout value climbed as high as 74.68 but retreated to $73.82 on March 19, almost steady with $73.83 March 12.
U.S. federal slaughter to March 20 was estimated at 2.17 million, up from 2.13 million the previous week.
Bison prices steady
The Canadian Bison Association said grade A youthful bulls younger than 30 months in the desirable weight range were as high as $2.60 per pound hot hanging weight.
Grade A youthful heifers younger than 30 months in the desirable weight range sold up to $2.45.
Carcasses outside the desired weight ranges were discounted by 15 to 25 cents per lb.
Slaughter cows and bulls sold at $1.50 hot hanging weight. Feeders are steady but should rise as spring grazing season approaches.
Lambs steady
Ontario Stockyards on March 15 sold 2,091 sheep and lambs and 111 goats. Light fed lambs sold steady, while heavier types were barely steady. Goats were steady to stronger. Sheep fell $5-$10 cwt.
