Commercial Red Meat Production Down From Last Year

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