Commercial Red Meat Production Down Slightly From Last Year

Commercial Red Meat Production Down Slightly From Last Year

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.65 billion pounds in February, down 1 percent from the 3.67 billion pounds produced in February 2013.

Beef production, at 1.79 billion pounds, was 5 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.24 million head, down 5 percent from February 2013. The average live weight was up 10 pounds from the previous year, at 1,330 pounds.

Veal production totaled 8.2 million pounds, 9 percent below February a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 52,200 head, down 12 percent from February 2013. The average live weight was up 9 pounds from last year, at 267 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.84 billion pounds, up 4 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 8.67 million head, up 1 percent from February 2013. The average live weight was up 6 pounds from the previous year, at 283 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 11.6 million pounds, was up 1 percent from February 2013. Sheep slaughter totaled 168,200 head, 4 percent above last year. The average live weight was 138 pounds, down 4 pounds from February a year ago.

January to February 2014 commercial red meat production was 7.9 billion pounds, down 1 percent from 2013. Accumulated beef production was down 5 percent from last year, veal was down 10 percent, pork was up 2 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up slightly.

Source: USDA