Lamb Carcass
Prices Fall
Second Week

Lamb carcasses on the East Coast fell $3-11 last week to reach the lowest levels since late July. This is the second week in a row of sharp losses, and prices now are down around $8-17 for the two weeks. Weights over 65 pounds held up the best while those under 55 pounds suffered the most.

Slaughter lambs were a couple of dollars off where tested, though most are controlled by the carcass prices.

Feeder lambs were in the range of steady, some a little lower, others showing some strength. A large share of feeders are now being put into custom lots under retained ownership.

Slaughter ewes were a little lower. Exports to Mexico last week totaled 8559 head. The count for the year through Monday was 211,777 head, eight percent more than a year ago.

East Coast carlot lamb weighing 55 pounds and down brought $171.50-172, the first figure in New York, the latter Boston. Weights 55-65 pounds made $178.50-179, 65-85 pounds $182.50-183, and over 85 pounds $179.50-180.

Lamb cutout values fell $1.35 last week with 65 pounds and down $210.05 and 65 pounds and up $213.35. That is only $3-5 lower than early July.

Pelt prices are still in the $1-2.50 area and showing no signs of improvement.

San Angelo feeder lambs weighing 40-60 pounds brought $76-81, 60-70 pounds $75-77, 70-90 pounds $73-76.50, a few to $80, and 90-100 pounds $73-77. Fredericksburg lambs weighing 60-80 pounds were mostly $77-82. Midwest markets quoted 60-80 pound lambs pounds $73-84 and 80-100 pounds $70-73. Billings feeders of 55-60 pounds brought $78-80, 60-70 pounds $77.50-79.25, 70-80 pounds $74-80, 80-90 pounds $72.50-77.75, 90-100 pounds $70.50-74.25, and 100-125 pounds $68.25-73.25.

Feeder lambs moving direct in West Texas were mostly $73-75 on 65-80 pounds. Recent sales in Colorado had 80-90 pound lambs $75-80, 90-115 pounds $80-81. South Dakota called 90 pound feeders $72, and 90-95 pound Idaho lambs $72.50. Utah feeders made $75 on 80-90 pounds, and the Coalville pool at 95-105 pounds $67. Nevada lambs weighing 80-90 pounds brought $75.

San Angelo had a few fat lambs for $75-82. Midwest markets moved shorn fats at $75.50-76.50; wooled lambs of 110-120 pounds made $68-72, 120-145 pounds $71-75.75.

Fat lambs moving direct in Texas had 115-130 pounders $76-78. Colorado was $80-81 on 110-130 pound lambs; contract lambs there weighing 110-150 pounds were $80-85 to average 133 pounds at $83.47 compared with 130 pounds and $79.99 a year ago. Nevada fats weighing 115 pounds moved at $80. California had 115-135 pound fats $75-80. Midwest lambs moving direct had shorn fat lambs $74-75 and wooled $70-73.

Fat slaughter ewes in San Angelo brought $35.50-46, fleshy $40-50, a few to $54.50. Midwest ewes made $25-34, and Billings had ewes $27-31.25.

Faith, S.D., quoted ewe lambs of 70-85 pounds going back to the country at $78.25-80 cwt., yearlings $104-110 per head. Colorado yearling ewes made $120-125 per head, and Idaho yearlings were $120.