May 28, 2012
US red meat production steady on-year
US red meat production reached a total of 3.86 billion pounds in April, down slightly from the 3.87 billion pounds produced in the same period of 2011, according to the USDA.
Beef production, at 1.99 billion pounds, was 3% below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.57 million head, down 6% from April 2011. The average live weight was up 25 pounds from the previous year, at 1,282 pounds.
Veal production totaled 9.9 million pounds, 3% below April a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 56,500 head, down 4% from April 2011. The average live weight was down 1 pound from last year, at 295 pounds.
Pork production totaled 1.84 billion pounds, up 3% from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 8.83 million head, up 2% from April 2011. The average live weight was up one pound from the previous year, at 278 pounds.
Lamb and mutton production, at 12.9 million pounds, was down 10% from April 2011. Sheep slaughter totaled 181,200 head, 13% below last year. The average live weight was 142 pounds, up four pounds from April a year ago.
January to April 2012 commercial red meat production was 16.1 billion pounds, down slightly from 2011. Accumulated beef production was down 2% from last year, veal was down 8%, pork was up 3% from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up 2%.
April 2011 contained 21 weekdays and five Saturdays.
April 2012 contained 21 weekdays (including 0 holidays) and four Saturdays.
