Hog futures rose to a five-week high as a rebound in pork prices signalled US demand may increase for summer grilling; while cattle fell, erasing earlier gains.

Wholesale pork has climbed 3.6% since touching a two-month low on June 16, USDA data show. Grocers may stock up on lower-priced meat as consumer demand climbs before the US Independence Day holiday on July 4.

Hog futures for August settlement climbed 0.15 cent, or 0.2%, to 84.5 cents a pound on the CME. Earlier, the price reached 85.1 cents, the highest level for a most-active contract since May 14. Hogs are up 39% in the past year.

Meanwhile, cattle futures for August delivery declined 0.525 cent, or 0.6%, to 88.8 cents a pound. The commodity rose as much as 1% earlier to 90.25 cents, the highest price since June 4. Feeder-cattle futures for August settlement inched up 0.125 cent, or 0.1%, to US$1.11825 a pound.

Cattle fell and hogs pared gains after the Canadian government said livestock at a packing plant in Alberta tested negative for foot-and-mouth disease, according to analysts. The highly contagious illness can be fatal to young animals and might have reduced US meat supplies, analysts said.

Wholesale-choice beef was little changed at midday at US$1.5472 a pound, after rebounding 1% from a three-month low on June 14.