Hog prices typically decline from late summer to the end of the year, and that pattern appears to have begun. Cash hogs were $3.80 lower last week, and the carcass cutout value averaged $101.60, a drop of $6.19.
The estimated hog harvest last week was 2.5 million, 86,000 more than the previous year and up 88,000 from a year ago. July hog harvest was 9.62 million head, 3.2% higher than July 2022. Year-to-date harvest is up 1.4%.
Pork production totaled 2.01 billion pounds, 1.8% higher than last year. Federally inspected hog harvest in Wisconsin totaled 69,200 in July, 1,600 more than July 2022. The average live weight was 3.6 pounds higher, at 278 pounds.
The lamb market, on the other hand, is improving. Cash lambs were called $10 to $20 higher last week, and the net carcass cutout value was $1 higher compared to the previous Friday, to end the week at $450.09. Market lambs were higher from $160 to $210/cwt.
The estimated sheep and lamb harvest for last week was 32,000, even with the previous week and 2,000 head lower than the same week last year. July harvest totaled 159,000 head, down 3%. The average live weight was 118 pounds, 8 pounds less than July 2022. Wisconsin's July sheep and lamb harvest was 800 head below last year at 1,800.
July lamb and mutton production totaled 9.5 million pounds, 9% lower than last year. Total lamb and mutton production is 1% below last year. The average live weight in Wisconsin was 138 pounds.
In conclusion, hog prices are declining as the year progresses, while lamb prices are improving. The estimated hog harvest last week was 2.5 million, and the July hog harvest was 9.62 million head. Pork production totaled 2.01 billion pounds, and the average live weight was 278 pounds. The estimated sheep and lamb harvest for last week was 32,000, and the July sheep and lamb harvest totaled 159,000 head. The average live weight was 118 pounds, and the average live weight in Wisconsin was 138 pounds.
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Categories: Wisconsin, Livestock, Hogs, Goats & Sheep