Feeder, Fat
Lambs, Meat
Prices Mixed

Lamb prices were mixed this week, feeder lambs up and down in Texas and lower in the Midwest markets, fats higher in Texas and lower in the Midwest. Dressed lamb quotations on the Central U.S. report were practically all the same while the averages were slightly erratic.

Carcasses weighing 40-65 pounds were $154-163.50, 65-85 pounds $159-163.50 and over 85 pounds $162-163. The averages by brackets ranged $156.08-162.33 with the lowest price on the handyweight 55-65 pounders. This unusual situation is undoubtedly the result of a desirable distribution of carcass weights that move freely into the marketing channels.

Pelts are currently showing good export interest, particularly from Poland and Turkey. Fall pelts are $14-15, No. 1 skins $13-14.50, No. 2 $9-11 and 3-4 $5-6.50.

Slaughter sheep exports to Mexico last week were 8187 head, including 1100 lambs and 7087 ewes.

Feeder lambs are getting scarce. Most areas have moved or committed them and are waiting for the newcrops to start moving. In some markets practically all the light lambs are going for slaughter, regardless of quality.

In San Angelo 40-60 pound feeder lambs brought $95-99, 60-70 pounds $86-87, a few at $94, and 70-90 pounds $82-88. Junction lambs weighing 50-70 pounds made $92-98 and 70-90 pounds $85-94. Midwest markets had 60-80 pound feeders $78-85, a few at $96, 80-100 pounds $70-85 and 100-115 pounds $70-76. Newell, S.D. quoted 50-70 pound feeders $96-100.25, 70-80 pounds $93-97.75, 80-90 pounds $87.50-90.25, 90-100 pounds $82.50-88.25, and 100-120 pounds $83.50-85.75. Billings lambs 60-90 pounds moved for $80-87.75, 100-115 pounds $74.50-82.50 and 120-140 pounds $70-73.50.

Feeder lambs weighing 70-90 pounds moved direct in West Texas at $80-83. New Mexico had 75-80 lambs $78-80 and under 75 pounds $85. South Dakota moved 90 pound feeders for $80, and North Dakota called 80-85 pounds $82-88. Montana lambs of 90 pounds moved at $81, and 80-90 pound Utah lambs were $85.

San Angelo slaughter lambs weighing 90-140 pounds brought $74-85.50, 70-90 pounds $80-81. Goldthwaite had 80-90 pound fats $75-77.50 and 40-80 pounds $82.50-94. Fredericksburg lambs 90-160 pounds made $75-78 and 40-80 pounds $95-113.50. Midwest markets had shorn fats $78-84, wooled 100-125 pounds $72-77 and 125-145 pounds $76-79.75.

Fat slaughter ewes in San Angelo were $30-35, lean and fleshy $38-48.50. Midwest ewes were $18-35.

Utah reported 80-85 pound ewe lambs going back to the country at $88-95. Babytooth ewes were $85 per head and mixed age ewes $70.