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.
Cash lamb prices last week were reported as strong, with market ewes also selling strong. Sheep and lamb weights averaged 118 last week with carcass weights averaging 60 pounds. The lighter weights have kept lamb and mutton production 3.7% lower than last year. Last week’s estimated harvest of 32,000 sheep and lambs was 1,000 fewer than the previous week and 5,000 less than last year. The cutout value was posted at $658.50 last week compared to $634.93 the previous week.
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