Market Summary - Week Ending December 23, 2004

Feeder Prices, San Angelo, Medium and Large 1-2, 60-70 lbs. for 126-130 $/cwt., 70-80 lbs. 122-132 $/cwt., 80-90 lbs. for 119.50-127 $/cwt.

Slaughter Prices - Negotiated, Live, wooled and shorn 91.50-98 $/cwt. for 125-175 lbs., dressed, no sales reported.

Slaughter Prices - Formula, 6,100 head (1) at 170.03-197.20 $/cwt. for 70.6 ave. lbs., 15,691 head at 175.93-191.67 $/cwt. for 78.60 ave. lbs.

Cutout value/Net carcass value (2) 215.34 $/cwt.

Carcass Price, Choice and Prime, YG 1-4, 7,437 head at 55-85 lbs. for 186-202 $/cwt., 1,172 head at 85 lbs. and up for 181-189 $/cwt.

Boxed Lamb, weighted average prices ($/cwt.), Trimmed 4" Loins 394, Hotel rack (3) 580.55, Leg (trotter off) 271.38, Ground lamb 289.17.

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)