Lamb Prices
Mixed, Mostly
On Lower Side

Fat and feeder lamb prices were highly mixed across the country. Feeder lambs sold steady at some markets, as much as $5 lower to $7 higher at other markets. Slaughter lambs were weak to as much as $7 lower, but some sales were steady. Slaughter ewes were $2-8 lower.

Carcass prices appeared to be a little stronger on the upper weights. Monday’s price on 40-45 pound carcasses was $120-131, 45-55 pounds $120-134, 55-65 pounds $118.50-134, 65-75 pounds $118-130, 75-85 pounds $114-130, and over 85 pounds $98.50-112.

Slaughter ewe exports to Mexico last week totaled 7325 head. The year to date volume is down nine percent at 257,627 head.

A New Zealand report indicates a change in their exports is in the offing. With the no-tariff situation now in place, New Zealand exporters expect to begin sending a wide range of cuts to the U.S., not just the most expensive cuts we have been receiving, such as French racks.

In San Angelo feeder lambs weighing 40-60 pounds brought $81-82.50, 60-70 pounds $71-76, 70-80 pounds $62-70, 80-90 pounds $55-61, and 90-100 pounds $53-57.50. Fredericksburg had 40-70 pound feeders $79.50-91 and 70-90 pounds $60-67. Goldthwaite lambs 50-70 pounds made $70-77.50. Junction had 50-70 pound feeders $67-78 and 70-90 pounds $55-62. Midwest markets moved 60-80 pound lambs at $50-60, 80-100 pounds $40-50 and 100-120 pounds $37.50-42.50. Billings feeders 45-80 pounds brought $58-63.75, 80-90 pounds $52.50-60, 90-100 pounds $41.50-53.50, and 100-135 pounds $40.25-43.50.

Recent sales of feeder lambs moving direct had 80-90 pounds in Texas at $53-55. Colorado moved 95-100 pound lambs at $52 and 100 pounds $50 with a 50-cent slide. More than 63,000 lambs moved in the Wyoming area with 70-80 pound lambs $63-64, 80-85 pounds $56-63, 90-95 pounds $56; several thousand moved into feedlots with retained ownership. South Dakota quoted 90 pound lambs at $45 and North Dakota moved 80 pounders at $52. Montana lambs weighing 90 pounds made $50 with a 40-50 cent slide. In Washington the Spokane pool sold 103 pound feeders at $45. Utah moved 85 pound lambs at $52 and 90-95 pounds $50.

Fat lambs in San Angelo weighing 90-135 pounds made $47.50-57, a few to $60, 135-155 pounds $45-49. Goldthwaite fats 90-100 pounds were $45-50. Fredericksburg had 50-70 pound fats $70-78, 90-140 pounds $45-55. Midwest markets quoted fats $40-44.

Fat slaughter ewes in San Angelo brought $20-30, fleshy, lean kinds $30-41, a few to $47. Midwest markets had ewes $17-21, and Billings ewes were $2-25.25.

Idaho moved ewe lambs at $69-70 and yearling stock ewes at $108-115 per head. Wyoming had ewe lambs $69-70 cwt. and solidmouth ewes 150-165 pounds $51-59 per head.