March 2, 2011
US red meat production increases
Commercial red meat production for the US amounted 4.04 billion pounds in January, an increase of 3% from the 3.92 billion pounds produced last January.
Beef production, at 2.12 billion pounds, was 2% more than 2010. Cattle slaughter totalled 2.74 million head, up 1% from last year. The average live weight was up 11 pounds from the previous year, at 1,301 pounds.
Calf slaughter totalled 71,800 head, 13% below January 2010. The average live weight was up 24 pounds from last year, at 262 pounds.
Pork production totalled 1.90 billion pounds, 5% more than last year. Hog slaughter totalled 9.10 million head, 2% above January 2010. The average live weight was up six pounds from the previous year, at 278 pounds.
