Feeder Lambs
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Fats Mixed

Feeder lambs are in limited numbers almost everywhere and prices inched higher again this week, the better end frequently taken off by killers. Slaughter lambs on the open market are also limited and generally sold steady, except for higher prices in some Texas markets. Slaughter ewes were a couple of dollars higher in Texas, steady on Midwest markets.

Sheep and lamb slaughter under federal inspection last week set a new record low for any week at 41,000 head. The average weight was 12 pounds less than a year ago at 132 pounds.

Ear to ear grins are common now to most Central and West Texas ranchers after good rains over much of the sheep country. We are now one day closer to the next drouth.

There were 5177 slaughter ewes exported to Mexico last week. The year to date volume through Monday was up 11 percent at 177,366 head. There have also been 43,350 lambs exported so far this year.

Lamb and mutton imports the week ending June 1 were 1245 metric tons, or around 2.7 million pounds, the equivalent of 77 percent of domestic production. The year to date volume is up 17 percent at 33,111 metric tons.

Lamb carcasses at Central U.S. plants on Friday were mostly steady on weights under 55 pounds, but $3-6 higher on heavies. Weights 40-45 pounds were $159-181, 45-50 pounds $159-172, 50-55 pounds $159-168, 55-75 pounds $159-165.50, 75-85 pounds $154-165.50, and over 85 pounds $165.

In San Angelo 40-60 pound feeder lambs brought $80-82, 60-80 pounds $76-81, a few to $87, and 80-90 pounds $72.50-76. Fredericksburg quoted 60-70 pound feeders $80.50-82.50. Junction lambs 50-70 pounds were $72-77, 70-90 pounds $70-73. Midwest markets had 60-70 pound feeders $65-77.50, 80-100 pounds $55-65.50.

Recent direct sales in Colorado and Wyoming saw 75-85 pound feeder lambs bring $82.50-83. Montana had 130-135 pound lambs at $79.50 and Idaho moved 110-120 pound feeders at $80-81. Oregon quoted 90 pound lambs $70 and 90-100 pounds $65.

Slaughter lambs in San Angelo weighing 90-120 pounds brought $73-79, 70-90 pounds $74-82. Fredericksburg had 90-120 pound lambs $69-74.50 and 40-80 pounds $80-92. Midwest markets termed fats 75-84.50.

There were 3900 lambs sold on negotiated trade last week with 120-140 pounds $83-83.10, dressed 70-75 pounds at $156. There were 17,600 formula lambs traded with carcasses averaging 67.8 pounds at $154.73.

Fat slaughter ewes in San Angelo were $23-33.50, fleshy, lean kinds $41-50.50. Midwest ewes were $15-21.50.