The following report was prepared and written by Jeff Swenson, DATCP’s livestock and meat specialist. This report draws information from several sources, including trade publications, radio broadcasts, agricultural news services, individuals involved in the industry as well as USDA reports.
Hogs
Hog prices typically work lower from late summer to the end of the year, and it appears that pattern has begun. Cash hogs were $3.80 lower last week. The carcass cutout value averaged $101.60 last week, a drop of $6.19.
Estimated harvest last week was 2.500 million hogs, 86,000 more than the previous year and up 88,000 from a year ago. July hog harvest was 9.62 million head, 3.2% higher than July 2022. Year-to-date harvest is up 1.4%.
Pork production totaled 2.01 billion pounds making it 1.8% higher than last year. Federally inspected harvest in Wisconsin totaled 69,200 hogs in July, making it 1,600 more than July 2022. The average live weight was 3.6 pounds higher, at 278. Wisconsin is one of the states where sow harvest exceeds that of butcher hogs. The average live weight of hogs harvested in Wisconsin during July was 435 pounds.
Lamb
The lamb market continues to improve. Cash lambs were called $10 to $20 higher last week. The net carcass cutout value was $1 higher compared to the previous Friday, to end the week at $450.09. Market lambs were higher from $160 to $210/cwt.
Estimated harvest for last week was 32,000 sheep and lambs, even with the previous week and 2,000 head lower than the same week last year. July harvest totaled 159,000 head, down 3%. The average live weight was 118 pounds, 8 pounds less than July 2022. Wisconsin’s July sheep and lamb harvest was 800 head below last year at 1,800.
July lamb and mutton production totaled 9.5 million pounds, 9% lower than last year. Total lamb and mutton production is 1% below last year. The average live weight in Wisconsin was 138 pounds.
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