U.S. hogs edge lower
Supply was ample for packer needs.
Feed supplies are good, and mild temperatures helped keep hogs well fattened.
Weakness in the cattle market also weighed on hogs.
Nearby hog futures are trading at a two-year low.
Labour disputes at American west coast ports are holding up exports and threatening the quality of meat in containers.
Iowa-southern Minnesota hogs delivered were US$52 per hundredweight Jan. 23, down from $54-$54.50 Jan. 16.
U.S. hogs averaged $67.65 on a carcass basis Jan. 23, down from $71.03 Jan. 16.
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The U.S. pork cutout rose to $84.38 per cwt. Jan. 23, up from $84.37 Jan. 16.
The estimated U.S. weekly slaughter for the week to Jan. 24 was 2.316 million, the largest slaughter in more than a year.
It was up 2.6 percent from the 2.257 million processed the previous week and up 4.6 percent from the 2.214 million last year at the same time.
Bison steady
The Canadian Bison Association said Grade A bulls in the desirable weight range were C$4.30 per pound hot hanging weight with sales to $4.40. U.S. buyers are offering US$4 with returns dependent on exchange rates, quality and export costs.
Grade A heifers sold at C$4.15 with sales to $4.30. U.S. buyers are offering US$3.85.
Mature animals destined for the trim market are selling for up to C$2.75 per lb.
Animals outside the desirable buyer specifications may be discounted.
Lambs steady
Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported that 1,274 sheep and lambs and 124 goats traded Jan.19. All classes of lambs traded steady with sheep selling barely steady to lower. Goats sold strong.
