Fat Lambs,
Carcasses
Stronger

Fed lambs tried to make a comeback this week with strength in several places, particularly on Midwest markets, where prices were around $4 higher early and some added another $4 on Wednesday. Feeder lambs were rather uneven, but mostly about steady. Slaughter ewes were steady on Midwest markets but around $5 lower in Texas.

With the strength in the fat market, the wholesale trade may be trying to make a comeback. Lightweights and heavies moved up $4 on Wednesday. Weights under 45 pounds were $141.50 and over 85 pounds $100.50. Lamb cutouts moved lower again Wednesday, losing $2.55; carcasses 65 pounds and down were $145.76, 65 and up $140.06. Feeder lambs still have a ways to go before they are out of red ink. Lamb feeders have taken a big-time hit in recent months, and they may be reluctant to get back in the gamble again.

Imports continue to roll in with 839 metric tons of lamb and mutton inspected for entry to the U.S. last week. That is about 1.85 million pounds and the equivalent of 41 percent of domestic production.

The San Angelo area has now gone about 50 days without any significant rain, and hazy skies indicate there is a lot of somebody else’s pasture floating around up there. The area is reminiscent of the Dust Dowl days. With the drouth as deep as it is, producers have little incentive to put out more breeding stock.

In San Angelo 40-90 pound feeder lambs brought $72-78, 90-100 pounds $71-73.50. Goldthwaite feeders weighing 40-80 pounds made $70-78.50, and 50-80 pound lambs at Junction were $71-80. Midwest markets called 50-70 pound lambs $80-90 and 70-90 pounders $75-80.

Feeder lambs moving direct in West Texas weighing 70-75 pounds made $72-74, a few at $75. California called 90-100 pound feeder lambs $67-69, 100-120 pounds $63.50-67, some with $5 discounts for seedy pelts.

Fat lambs of 100-135 pounds in San Angelo brought $58-74, newcrops 90-115 pounds $70-77. Midwest markets had lambs at $54-60, newcrops $63-74.75. Midwest teleauctions sold lambs for $64.50-67.25.

Fat lambs in Colorado moved direct to packers at $61.50 with a 50 cent slide at 140 pounds. Contract lambs averaged 154 pounds at $60.49 compared to a year ago at 146 and $92.39. Arizona newcrops weighing 120-125 pounds made $65, and 110-130 pound California newcrops brought $60-65 with a 30 cent slide at a weight stop of 120 pounds. Lambs of 150-155 pounds moving direct in the Midwest made $60.50.

Fleshy slaughter ewes in San Angelo brought $25-43 with fats stopping at $34, and Midwest markets had ewes $28-33.50.

A few solidmouth stock ewes in San Angelo brought $63-75 per head.