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.
Lamb prices were higher nationally last week with market ewes selling firmer. The lamb cutout value was $539.01 last Friday compared to $545.32 the previous week. Harvest pace remains ahead of last year, estimated at 39,000 sheep and lambs last week. That total is 1,000 more than the previous week and 3,000 more than the same week last year. November exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts totaled 237 metric tons, up 87% from a year ago and the largest since July. Export value increased 65% to $1.45 million, the highest since May. Growth was driven by Mexico, the Netherlands Antilles, and the Bahamas, as well as larger shipments to Central America and Japan. New crop lambs brought $225-253/cwt.
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