1996 U.S. Livestock
Imports Highly Mixed

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Cattle and hog imports the first 10 months of the year from Canada are substantially above the same period a year ago. Conversely, feeder cattle imports from Mexico are down sharply from a year ago.

Feeder cattle coming north from Mexico into the U.S. the first 10 months of the year are down 86 percent from last year at 231,086 head compared to 1,273,061 last year. Slaughter cattle imports from Mexico totaled only 816 head compared to 71,215 at this time last year.

Feeder cattle imports through Texas ports totaled 139,742 for the year to date. Arizona has imported 89,552 head and New Mexico 1836 head.

The major movement of this year’s feeder cattle from Mexico is expected to begin this week.

Canadian cattle moving into the U.S. were up 35 percent through November at 1,220,631 head compared to 902,564 the same period last year. Slaughter cattle coming in through the four northwestern states are up 23 percent at 905,965 head compared to 737,578 last year. Feeder cattle numbers are more than seven times that of a year ago at 138,814 head compared to 16,428.

Cattle imports through the four northeastern states are up 18 percent at 171,017 head compared to 144,568 last year.

Hog imports from Canada for the first 10 months are up 74 percent at 2,095,934 head compared to 1,207,366. Slaughter hogs are up 124 percent at 1,449,847 head compared to 646,378 last year, feeder pigs up 17 percent at 595,878 head compared to 507,145. Breeding hogs are down seven percent at 50,209 head compared to 53,843 last year.