Hog prices fall
U.S. packers easily accessed the supply they needed and wholesale pork prices fell, leading to lower cash bids for hogs.
Cash prices traditionally rise in the new year as supply seasonally tightens, but packers have ample supply to work through and slaughter weights of barrows and gilts are up 5.4 pounds from a year ago.
Ron Plain and Scott Brown of the University of Missouri reported the following:
“USDA’s (U.S. Department of Agriculture’s) January WASDE (World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates) publication increased their forecast of 2015 pork production by 1.2 percent and reduced their 2015 barrow and gilt price estimate by $3 per hundredweight.
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“They are now predicting 4.6 percent higher pork production this year than in 2014 with market hog prices averaging in the lower $60s live compared to an average live price of $76.03 per cwt in 2014. Currently, USDA expects 2015 pork production to exceed beef production by 65 million pounds. The last time the nation produced more pork than beef was 1952.”
Iowa-southern Minnesota hogs delivered were US$54-$54.50 per cwt. Jan. 16, down from $56 Jan. 9.
U.S. hogs averaged $71.03 on a carcass basis Jan. 16, down from $71.80 Jan. 9.
The U.S. pork cutout rose to $84.37 per cwt. Jan. 16, up from $83.96 Jan. 9.
The estimated U.S. weekly slaughter for the week to Jan. 17 was 2.276 million, up from 2.143 million the previous week. Slaughter was 2.263 million last year at the same time.
Bison steady
The Canadian Bison Association said finished bison prices are steady. 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.
Sheep steady
Beaver Hill Auction in Tofield, Alta., reported 1,492 sheep and 62 goats sold Jan. 12.
Wool lambs lighter than 54 lb. were $215-$227 per cwt., 55-69 lb. were $222-$248, 70-85 lb. were $212-$248, 86-105 lb. were $184-$224 and 106 lb. and heavier were $172-$181.
Wool rams were $80-$129 per cwt. Cull ewes were $63-$85 and bred ewes were $125-$160 per head.
Hair lambs lighter than 54 lb. were $190-$210 per cwt., 55-69 lb. were $206-$228, 70-85 lb. were $190-$215, 86-105 lb. were $161-$205 and 106 lb. and heavier were $160-$175.
Hair rams were $78-$91 per cwt. Cull ewes were $70-$80.
Feeder kids lighter than 60 lb. were $185-$210. Good kid goats lighter than 70 lb. were $205-$235. Those heavier than 70 lb. were $205-$230 per cwt. Nannies were $75-$95 per cwt. Billies were $100-$145.
Ontario Stockyards Inc. reported 1,469 sheep and lambs and 35 goats traded Jan.12. All classes of sheep, lambs and goats sold steady.
