May 27, 2013

With one more slaughter day in April 2013, US commercial red meat production totalled 4.09 billion pounds (1.86 million tonnes) in April, up 6% from the 3.86 billion pounds (1.75 million tonnes) in April 2012.

Beef production, at 2.13 billion pounds (966,151 tonnes), was 7% above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totalled 2.73 million head, up 6% from April 2012. The average live weight was up 14 pounds (6.35 kg) from the previous year, at 1,295 pounds (587.40 kg).

Veal production totalled 9.1 million pounds (4,127.70 tonnes), 8% below April 2012. Calf slaughter totalled 58,600 head, up 4% from April 2012. The average live weight was down 29 pounds (13.15 kg) from last year, at 266 pounds (120.66 kg).

Pork production totalled 1.94 billion pounds (879,969.20 tonnes), up 5% from 2012. Hog slaughter totalled 9.36 million head, up 6% from April 2012. The average live weight was down 1 pound (0.45 kg) from the previous year, at 277 pounds (125.65 kg).

Lamb and mutton production, at 13.4 million pounds (6,078.14 tonnes), was up 4% from April 2012. Sheep slaughter totalled 191,700 head, 6% above last year. The average live weight was 140 pounds (63.50 kg), down 2 pounds (0.91 kg) from April 2012.

January to April 2013 commercial red meat production was 16.1 billion pounds (7.30 million tonnes), up slightly from 2012. Accumulated beef production was up slightly from last year, veal was down 6%, pork was up slightly from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 1%.