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
Cash lambs were $10-$20/cwt higher last week with market ewes called firm. Lamb and mutton production has dropped significantly now that major holidays are behind us. This is typical for this time of year. Last week’s estimated sheep and lamb harvest was 30,000 head, 1,000 more than the previous week and 13,000 fewer than the same week last year. The lamb cut-out value was $5.00 higher last week, posted at $557.01 last Friday. New crop lambs brought $256-$280 cwt, with some to $300/cwt.
