Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.28 billion pounds in April, up 8 percent from the 3.97 billion pounds produced in April 2017, USDA said Thursday in its latest Livestock Slaughter report.
The increase was driven largely by record-high pork production, which totaled 2.14 billion pounds, up 8 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.99 million head, up 7 percent from April 2017.
The average live weight was up 2 pounds from the previous year at 287 pounds.
Meanwhile, beef production, at 2.12 billion pounds, was 8 percent above the previous year’s level. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.64 million head, up 7 percent from April 2017. The average live weight was up 9 pounds from the previous year, at 1,334 pounds.
Veal production totaled 6.1 million pounds, 4 percent above April a year ago.
Calf slaughter totaled 42,800 head, up 10 percent from April 2017. The average live weight was down 12 pounds from last year, a 245 pounds.
Lamb and mutton production, at 12.4 million pounds, was up 8 percent from April 217. Sheep slaughter totaled 181,000 head, 1 percent above last year. The average live weight was 137 pounds, up 9 pounds from April a year ago.
January to April 2018 commercial red meat production was 17.4 billion pounds, up 4 percent from 2017. Accumulated beef production was up 4 percent from last year, veal was up 1 percent, pork was up 5 percent, and lamb and mutton was up 4 percent.
Source : meatingplace