With spring lambs coming in April, I was wondering what I can expect to get for a lamb if sold directly to an ethnic market in New England? What is the youngest and oldest a lamb can be for meat. When is a lamb no longer considered a lamb? I hope this makes sense.

-- Patrick (psroll@aol.com), February 09, 2002

Answers

Just went to amish country Maryland and bought a easter Lamb for $70.00, If I waited two weeks he said I'd pay $90.00... good luck this is my first one also...

-- Carrie (onemaur@yahoo.com), February 09, 2002.

When is a lamb not a lamb? - officially it is no longer a lamb when it cuts its first permanent incisisors (ie, becomes a two tooth!)

-- Cowvet (cowvet_nz@hotmail.com), February 09, 2002.

Patrick,I sell to a Muslim market and get $65.00 for 50 to 60 pounds liveweight. After that its 80 cents a pound. I like the arrangement as they get delivered to a farm within driving time from here, are fed there until the Muslims come and then are butchered there, fast and humanely. I get paid cash at time of delivery.I know you can get more for lambs 25 to 35 pounds, but I rather leave them on the ewe a little longer so they get naturally weaned and I don't need to milk out the ewes.

-- Kate henderson (kate@sheepyvalley.com), February 09, 2002.

Hey it's Cowvet! Glad to see you found this board, heck of a lot friendlier than Ag Online! Lamb's a lamb so long as it tastes like one on the BBQ in my book. About 14 months max. Obviously there's a huge diffrence in prices, nobady walks out of my farm with a lamb for under $80 live, and if it's 75 lbs or over think 1.40 per pound. Freezer orders are 4.50/lb, (city butchers want 5+!!) I'm in Ottawa Ont. prices are Canadian.

-- Ross (amulet@istar.ca), February 09, 2002.