May 30, 2007  

US red meat output climbs up in April

Commercial red meat production in the United States totaled 3.75 billion pounds in April, posting a four percent increase from the 3.61 billion pounds produced in April 2006.

Beef production, at 2.02 billion pounds, was up two percent from the previous year while cattle slaughter totaled 2.70 million head, above 4 percent from April 2006. The average live weight was down five pounds from the previous year at 1,235 pounds.

On the other hand, veal production totaled 11.8 million pounds, 14 percent above April a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 56,900 head, also up 19 percent from the same month last year. The average live weight was down 14 pounds from last year, at 347 pounds. Pork production jumped six percent at 1.71 billion pounds from the previous year while hog slaughter totaled 8.47 million head, up 6 percent from April 2006. The average live weight was behind two pounds from the previous year, at 270 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production meanwhile was down at 11 percent at 15.1 million pounds from April 2006. Sheep slaughter totaled 216,900 head, 12 percent below last year. The average live weight was 139 pounds, up three pounds from April a year ago.

From January to April 2007 commercial red meat production was 15.5 billion pounds, up two percent from 2006. Overall, beef production was up two percent from last year, veal was up 12 percent, pork was up two percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down three percent.