Lamb Prices
Turn Upward,
Ewes Up Too

Lamb prices firmed up considerably this week, fats rising a couple of dollars in most areas while feeder lambs were firm and in some instances a couple of dollars up. Slaughter ewes were sharply higher in Texas, a little softer in Midwest markets.

The dressed trade held steady last week after eight consecutive weekly declines. Carcass prices are mostly $26 below late August levels. Slaughter lambs during the same period are $5-10 off. Feeder lambs are little changed from August prices.

Lamb carcass prices on the East Coast had 55 pounds and down at $160.50-163, 55-65 pounds $160.50-161, 65-85 pounds $164.50-165 and 85 pounds and up $161.50-162.

With the general decline in sheep numbers around the country, feedlots have been holding input prices pretty much steady, while banking on the short numbers of future marketings to hold slaughter prices at an equitable level.

West Texas remains very dry. Several ranchers say it is even drier than during the drouth of the 1950s. A little rain last weekend had only minimal effect. Ranchers have indicated there can be no increase in sheep numbers until the current drouth is broken.

A total of 598 metric tons, or 1.3 million pounds, of lamb and mutton were imported into the U.S. the week ending September 18. That equates to 28 percent of domestic production for that week.

In San Angelo this week, 40-70 pound feeder lambs brought $77-81, 70-90 pounds $76-79, a few to $82, 90-100 pounds $72-77. Fredericksburg had lightweight lambs $85-88, a few $89-90, heavies $75-80. Midwest markets quoted 50 pound feeders $92, 60-80 pounds $75-80, a few to $99, and 80-100 pounds $70-77. Billings had 52 pound lambs $84, 60-70 pounds $85.25-86.25, 70-80 pounds $83-88, 80-90 pounds $79-87.75, 90-100 pounds $78-85, and 100-125 pounds $73.50-77.25.

Recent sales of feeder lambs moving direct in Texas had 65-85 pounders $74-77, Wyoming moved 80 pound feeders at $80, and Oregon had 90-105 pound lambs $71. Washington lambs weighing 90 pounds sold at $64-67. Idaho feeders of 90-105 pounds were $71-72.50.

Fat lambs weighing 95-135 pounds in San Angelo brought $71-78, a few 100-105 pounds $80-85. Midwest markets had shorn lambs $68-74.75, wooled $66-73.75.

Fat lambs moving direct from Texas feedlots to packers were $70-72 on 115-135 pounds, a few $73-74. Colorado lambs of 130-155 pounds made $70-76. The weekly average on contract lambs was $72.42 and 141 pounds compared to $71.25 on 136 pounds a year ago. Washington fat lambs scaling 130 pounds went at $64. California had 120-130 pound fats $72-74, and Midwest fats moved direct at $68-72.

Slaughter ewes in San Angelo made $35-46. Midwest markets had ewes $22-30.50, and Billings ewes brought $26.50-30.50.

Yearling stock ewes in Wyoming weighing 130 pounds made $100 per head. Colorado had mixed age ewes $85, and solidmouth ewes in Idaho were $65.