June 24, 2013

The USDA's monthly Livestock Slaughter report shows that commercial red meat production for the US totalled 4.15 billion pounds in May 2013, down 1% from the 4.18 billion pounds produced in May 2012.

Beef production, at 2.23 billion pounds, was slightly below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totalled 2.86 million head, down slightly from May 2012. The average live weight was up nine pounds from the previous year, at 1,289 pounds.

Veal production totalled 9.1 million pounds, 12% below May a year ago. Calf slaughter totalled 58,200 head, down 2% from May 2012. The average live weight was down 29 pounds from last year, at 266 pounds.

Pork production totalled 1.90 billion pounds, down 1% from the previous year. Hog slaughter totalled 9.22 million head, down 1% from May 2012. The average live weight was down one pound from the previous year, at 276 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 14.3 million pounds, was up 5% from May

2012. Sheep slaughter totalled 204,500 head, 14% above last year. The average live weight was 140 pounds, down 11 pounds from May a year ago.

January to May 2013 commercial red meat  production was 20.3 billion pounds, up slightly from 2012. Accumulated beef production was up slightly from last year, veal was down 7%, pork was down slightly from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up slightly.