February 1, 2005

Beef and pork production up in the US

US commercial red meat production totaled 3.93 billion pounds in December 2004, up 1 percent from the 3.88 billion pounds produced in December 2003.

Beef production, at 2.04 billion pounds, was 3 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.69 million head, up 1 percent from December 2003. The average live weight was up 24 pounds from the previous year, at 1,268 pounds.

Veal production recorded 14.9 million pounds, 22 percent less than December a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 74,700 head, down 23 percent from December 2003. The average live weight was 12 pounds above last year, at 334 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.86 billion pounds, down 1 percent from the previous year. Hog kill totaled 9.25 million head, 1 percent below December 2003. The average live weight was 1 pound above the previous year, at 270 pounds. 

Lamb and mutton production, at 17.0 million pounds, was down 6 percent from December 2003. Sheep slaughter totaled 242,400 head, 7 percent below last year. The average live weight was 140 pounds, up 3 pounds from December a year ago.

From January to December 2004, commercial red meat production was 45.4 billion pounds, down 2 percent from 2003. Accumulated beef production was down 6 percent from last year, veal was down 13 percent, pork was up 3 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 3 percent.