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 were steady to higher last week, with light lambs seeing strong demand as we head into a season of religious holidays. Light lamb prices have increased 28% over the past six weeks. The lamb cutout lost $4.78, ending last week at $459.49. Estimated harvest last week was 39,000, which is 1,000 more than the previous week and 4,000 fewer than last year. February lamb and mutton production totaled 10.5 million pounds, 3% lower than in 2024. Harvest for the month was 2% lower, with live weights 1 pound lower, averaging 123 pounds. Shorn lambs brought $156-215/cwt with light market lambs selling as high as $320/cwt.
