March 22, 2013

US red meat production has reached 3.67 billion pounds in February 2013, a 6% drop from the 3.91 billion pounds produced in February 2012.

At 1.87 billion pounds, beef production was 7% below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totalled 2.36 million head, down 8% from February 2012. The average live weight was up 13 pounds from the previous year, at 1,320 pounds.

Veal production totalled nine million pounds, a 9% drop from February 2012. Calf slaughter totalled 59,600 head, down 1% from the same period. The average live weight was down 18 pounds from last year, at 258 pounds.

Pork production totalled 1.78 billion pounds, down 6% from the previous year. Hog slaughter totalled 8.59 million head, down 5% from February 2012. The average live weight was down one pound from the previous year, at 277 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 11.5 million pounds, was down 7% from February 2012. Sheep slaughter totalled 161,700 head, 2% below last year. The average live weight was 142 pounds, down seven pounds from February 2012.

Commercial red meat production was eight billion pounds in January – February 2013, down slightly from 2012.

Accumulated beef production was up slightly from last year. Veal and pork were down 4% and 1%, respectively, from 2012. Lamb and mutton production was down 2%.