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