Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.67 billion
pounds in February, down 6 percent from the 3.91 billion pounds produced in
February 2012.
Beef production, at 1.87 billion pounds, was 7 percent below the previous
year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.36 million head, down 8 percent from
February 2012. The average live weight was up 13 pounds from the previous
year, at 1,320 pounds.
Veal production totaled 9.0 million pounds, 9 percent below February a year
ago. Calf slaughter totaled 59,600 head, down 1 percent from February 2012.
The average live weight was down 18 pounds from last year, at 258 pounds.
Pork production totaled 1.78 billion pounds, down 6 percent from the previous
year. Hog slaughter totaled 8.59 million head, down 5 percent from February
2012. The average live weight was down 1 pound from the previous year, at
277 pounds.
Lamb and mutton production, at 11.5 million pounds, was down 7 percent from
February 2012. Sheep slaughter totaled 161,700 head, 2 percent below last
year. The average live weight was 142 pounds, down 7 pounds from February a
year ago.
January to February 2013 commercial red meat production was 8.0 billion
pounds, down slightly from 2012. Accumulated beef production was up slightly
from last year, veal was down 4 percent, pork was down 1 percent from last
year, and lamb and mutton production was down 2 percent.
Source: USDA