New Zealand Livestock and Wool Market Summary

WASHINGTON - May 13/02 - STAT -- The latest weekly summary of New Zealand's beef, lamb and wool markets was released by the USDA today.

Discussing beef markets, the USDA reports Import prices increased 2-3 cents per pound as a result of a ship getting grounded that was carrying 300 containers of beef.

For most exporters the Friday price rise was not factored into their scheule calculations.

Farmgate prices in th North Island were steady.

South Island prices fell about 5c/kg for cow and bull meat as cow kill levels reached new weekly highs of 8500.

Looking at lamb markets, the USDA reports There was little change in most markets last week, with many exporters believing there will be some price lifts in the EU and US as New Zealand kill falls away. Currently New Zealand has processed 75% of their lambs for the season and weekly kill is now moving below the half million mark.

North Island prices are now $3-5 ahead of South Island.

Beef $/CWT                       Week Ending       Previous Week
                                  11-May-02          04-May-02
P2 Steer   542-595 lbs                72.12              71.21
(4-7 mm)   595-650 lbs                72.12              71.21
(Fat)      650-705 lbs                72.12              71.21
           705-761 lbs                72.12              71.21
M Cow      375-430 lbs                58.97              58.06
(0-1 mm)   430-485 lbs                58.97              58.06
           485-540 lbs                58.97              58.06
Bull       595-650 lbs                70.76              69.85
Lamb  ($/Head)      Fat Cover
                          (mm)
           24 lbs          0-6        15.73              15.39
           33 lbs          7-12       28.55              27.73
           46 lbs          7-12       37.48              36.62
Pelt       1 lb                        1.36               1.35
Ewe  ($/Head)
           46 lbs                     22.61              21.71
Wool  (c/cwt clean)    (microns)
           Fine            21        238.14             245.85
           Medium          25        210.47             230.88
           Coarse          35        109.32             106.14
New Zealand Export Slaughter RateWeek Ending       Week Ending
                                  27-Apr-02          20-Apr-02
                    Beef:            70,000             61,000
                    Lamb:           638,000            711,000
                    Mutton:          58,000             53,000
Notes:    All prices are U.S. Dollars.
          All meat prices are carcass based and net to farmers.
           Lamb values include a 1 kg shorn pelt.
           Ewe values at 0.5 kg pelt.
Source: Agri-Fax, New Zealand, www.agri-fax.co.nz
 

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