May 2 2011

US red meat production hits record high

Commercial red meat production in the US reached 4.3 billion pounds in March, an on-year increase of 2%.

Beef production, at 2.27 billion pounds, was 2% above the previous year, with the number of cattle being slaughtered totalling 2.96 million head, according to the USDA.

Veal production totalled 12.1 million pounds, 1% below March a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 72,900 head, down 9% from March 2010. Pork production totalled 2.05 billion pounds, up 1% from the previous year. Hog slaughter totalled 9.87 million head, down 2% from March 2010.

Lamb and mutton production took the sharpest dip, at 14.1 million pounds, down 20% from March 2010. Sheep slaughter totalled 193,900 head, 26% below last year.