The following report was 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. Edited by Mid-West Farm Report.
December lamb and mutton production, at 12 million pounds, was 12 percent higher than last year.
Sheep harvest totaled 201,500 head, 9 percent above last year. The average live weight was 117 pounds, up two pounds from December a year ago.
Cash lambs were steady to $10/cwt lower last week. The lamb cutout value was $1.74 lower last week at $461.03. The estimated weekly harvest was 37,000 head compared to 37,000 the previous week and 33,000 the same week last year.
In Other Livestock News:
■ Join DATCP’s next Meat and Poultry Businesses Office Hours, Feb. 5, 8-9 a.m., on Zoom: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1619559657?pwd=cNEHVb04Y5Rapb0cjXQ7ImlgcjqvNC.1
■ Three Producing Quality Beef Workshops are scheduled for February. For dates, locations, and registration, visit: https://www.beeftips.com/cattlemens-corner/monthly-checkoff-updates/producing-quality-beef-workshops/