Lamb Prices
Somewhat
Stabilized

Little price differential was noted on fat and feeder lambs around the country this week. Slaughter lambs had a touch of weakness in some areas, and they are still suffering from the lack of a pelt market. The Russian crisis is weighing heavily on the international leather and pelt trade.

Feeder lambs were generally steady to maybe a little weaker in spots. The weight factor is still paramount in both the fat and feeder markets. Feeder lambs prices get softer as they get closer to fat weights and fat lambs get higher as they go above 110 pounds.

Lamb and mutton imports last week fell to only 145 metric tons, or about seven percent of domestic production. All classes of import meats were sharply reduced last week, probably due to an annual conference of U.S. importers.

Slaughter ewes were a little stronger around the country. Ewe exports to Mexico last week totaled only 4877 head. Exports for the year now total 202,821 head, up five percent from 193,741 a year ago.

East Coasts lamb carcasses held steady at $176.50-177 on heavies, $163.50-164 on lights.

Compared to last year, feeder lambs are down around $35, fat lambs down around $15, slaughter ewes down $10. Conversely, lamb carcasses are $3 higher on the heavies and only $4-8 lower on lightweights.

West Texas range conditions continue to deteriorate and small grains are being dusted-in as growers hope for a rain. September is normally the wettest month of the year, but only traces have occurred this year.

San Angelo feeder lambs weighing 40-70 pounds brought $71-78, 70-80 pounds $70-74, 80-100 pounds $64-70. Fredericksburg lambs of 60-80 pounds were $70-77, 70-85 pound Goldthwaite feeders $65-70. Junction lambs were $67.50-75. Midwest markets quoted 60-80 pound lambs $66-72, 80-100 pounds $63-71. Billings lambs 65-80 pounds made $72.50-76, 80-90 pounds $68.50-75, 90-115 pounds $64.50-71.

Feeder lambs moving direct in West Texas were mostly $68-71 on 70-80 pounds. Colorado feeder lambs weighing 90-105 pounds made $68-70, most going direct to custom feedlots. Near 100,000 lambs from the Mountain states went direct to custom lots last week. In Wyoming, 75-85 pound lambs brought $65 for October delivery; Nevada lambs 90-95 pounds went at $60.

Slaughter lambs in San Angelo brought $63-69, Goldthwaite fats $60-69. Midwest markets quoted 100-110 pounds $65-70, 110-120 pounds $70-73.50, and 120-140 pounds $69-75.50. Midwest teleauction lambs were $74-74.25.

Slaughter lambs moving direct in Colorado sold at $70 and contract lambs returned $80-83. Idaho fats weighing 135-140 pounds brought $75, California lambs of 100-135 pounds were $70, and lambs moving direct in the Midwest made $70-74.

Fleshy slaughter ewes in San Angelo brought $30-42. Similar ewes in Midwest markets were $22-28, and Billings ewes made $22.50-27.

Colorado yearling stock ewes brought $125 per head, solidmouth $60. San Angelo mixed age ewes were $44-64, and Billings had yearlings $80-85, babytooth $62.50-71.