January 25, 2010

US red meat output down slightly in December

Commercial red meat production for the US totalled 4.15 billion pounds in December, down slightly from the 4.16 billion pounds produced in December 2008.

Beef production increased 2% from the previous year to 2.13 billion pounds. Cattle slaughter totalled 2.75 million head, up 3% from December 2008. The average live weight was down seven pounds from the previous year to 1,296 pounds.

Veal production totalled 13.1 million pounds, 2% below December a year ago. Calf slaughter decreased 2% on-year to 92,300 head, while average live weight was down five pounds from last year to 240 pounds.

Pork production reached 1.99 billion pounds, down 3% from the previous year. Hog slaughter totalled 9.83 million head, down 3% from December 2008. The average live weight was unchanged from the previous year, at 270 pounds.

Commercial red meat production during January to December 2009 declined 2% from 2008 to 49.3 billion pounds. Accumulated beef production was down 2% from last year, veal was down 3%, and pork was down 2%.