February 25, 2013

Commercial meat output in the US has reached 4.35 billion pounds in January, a 5% increase from the 4.12 billion pounds in January 2012, according to the USDA.

Pork production totaled 2.07 billion pounds, 4% above the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.96 million head, 4% above January 2012. The average live weight was down one pound from the previous year, at 277 pounds.

Beef production, at 2.26 billion pounds, was 7% above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.83 million head, up 4% from January 2012. The average live weight was up 27 pounds from the previous year, at 1,327 pounds.

Veal production totaled 10.5 million pounds, slightly above January a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 70,900 head, 5% above January 2012.