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.
The lamb market was sharply higher last week, making it the second week of solid gains. Light lambs continue to spur high demand. The cutout was modestly higher last Friday, gaining 86 cents to $462.04. Weekly harvest totals have moderated and are lower than the beginning of April when over 40,000 head were harvested per week. Last week’s estimate of 33,000 head was 1,000 more than the prior week and 8,000 fewer than a year ago. New crop lambs brought $200-$225/cwt. Light lambs sold to $300/cwt.Â
