Market Summary - Week Ending December 17, 2004

Feeder Prices, San Angelo, Medium and Large 1-2, 60-70 lbs. for 121-126 $/cwt., 70-80 lbs. 119-122 $/cwt.

Slaughter Prices - Negotiated, Live, wooled and shorn 91-97.75 $/cwt. for 120-175 lbs., dressed, no sales reported.

Slaughter Prices - Formula, 5,579 head (1) at 170.89-196.85 $/cwt. for 70.9 ave. lbs., 16,694 head at 169.45-190 $/cwt. for 78.30 ave. lbs.

Cutout value/Net carcass value (2), 212.26 $/cwt.

Carcass Price, Choice and Prime, YG 1-4, 294 head at 60-65 lbs. for 190-202 $/cwt., 1,988 head at 65-85 lbs. for 187-202 $/cwt., 201 head at 85 lbs. and up for 182-183 $/cwt.

Boxed Lamb, weighted average prices ($/cwt.), Trimmed 4" Loins 393.65, Hotel rack (3) 574.66, Leg (trotter off) 270.62, Ground lamb 287.80.

Wool, Price ($/lb.) Clean, Delivered, Grade 70s (19.15-20.59 um) 2.30-2.50, 64s (20.60-22.04 um) 2.20-2.40, 62s (22.05-23.49 um) 1.90-2.20, 60s (23.50-24.94 um) 1.70-1.90, 58s (24.95-26.39 um) 1.50-1.70.

(1) Prices reported for the two weight categories of the largest volume traded.

(2) The cutout value is the same as a net carcass value. It is a composite value that sums the value of the respective lamb cuts multiplied by their weights. It is also the gross carcass value less processing and packaging costs.

(3) Average of light, medium and heavy 8-Rib Rack.

(Source: USDA/Agricultural Marketing Service)