Prepared and written by Jeff Swenson, DATCP Livestock and Meat Specialist. The Market Update draws information from several sources, including trade publications, radio broadcasts, agricultural news services, individuals involved in the industry as well as USDA NASS and AMS reports.
Hogs
Cash hogs were lower last week. The pork cutout was $2.65 higher, averaging $95.96, and carried strength into the end of the week. Bellies were especially strong. Estimated harvest for the week was 2.581 million, outpacing the previous week by 210,000 head, and 152,400 greater than last year. November pork production totaled 2.33 billion pounds, two pounds lower than a year ago. Hog harvest totaled 10.8 million head, 3% less than November 2023. The average live weight was unchanged from the previous year at 289 pounds.
Lamb
Fed lambs sold steady to $20/cwt higher last week. Lamb and mutton harvest was estimated at 38,000 head, equal to the prior week and 4,000 fewer than last year. The lamb carcass cutout was $464.76 last Friday, 19 cents lower than the previous Friday. Lamb and mutton production, at 10.4 million pounds, was 7% lower than November 2023. Harvest totaled 173,600 head, 9% less than last year. The average live weight was 118 pounds, up two pounds from November a year ago
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