Hide prices for some steer, but mostly cow hides increased day on day on Thursday October 17 driven by moderate demand from tanners and tight cattle hide supply.

Several market participants said that buyers were willing to pay higher than last reported levels on most cow hide selections, which increased cow hides by $0.25 per piece to $0.50 per piece from last traded levels. The price increases were encouraged by demand from upholstery tanners and another week of low cow hide production.

The US Department of Agriculture reported actual slaughter under inspection for the week ended October 5 at 51,384 head of dairy cows, down by 10% from the year prior, and 54,641 head of other cows, down by 25% from the year prior.

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