Commercial Red Meat Production Down From Last Year

Feb 21, 2014

Commercial Red Meat Production Down From Last Year

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.25 billion pounds in January, down 2 percent from the 4.35 billion pounds produced in January 2013.

Beef production, at 2.14 billion pounds, was 5 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.68 million head, down 5 percent from January 2013. The average live weight was up 7 pounds from the previous year, at 1,334 pounds.

Veal production totaled 9.3 million pounds, 11 percent below January a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 62,800 head, 11 percent below January 2013. The average live weight was unchanged from last year, at 253 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.09 billion pounds, 1 percent above the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.79 million head, 2 percent below January 2013. The average live weight was up 7 pounds from the previous year, at 284 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 12.4 million pounds, was slightly above January 2013. Sheep slaughter totaled 180,700 head, 2 percent above last year. The average live weight was 137 pounds, down 3 pounds from January a year ago.

Source: USDA

Video: Sow Welfare and Group Housing Systems - Dr. Laya Alves

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Laya Alves from the University of São Paulo, in Brazil, discusses how animal welfare regulations are evolving globally and their impact on pig production systems. She explains challenges in group housing, pain management, and euthanasia decisions, while highlighting the role of training and management in improving outcomes and economic sustainability. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Translating welfare requirements into daily farm routines without compromising economic sustainability remains one of the biggest challenges faced by producers globally today."

Meet the guest: Dr. Laya Alves / laya-kannan is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of São Paulo, Brazil, focusing on animal welfare in pig production, including pain management, euthanasia, and economic decision making. Her work integrates welfare science with practical farm management and sustainability. She collaborates globally to develop applied tools for producers.