June 26, 2007

US red meat production in May reaches record high

Commercial red meat production in the United States reached 4.08 billion pounds in May, up slightly from the 4.06 billion pounds produced in May 2006. Total figures hit record high, according to the US Department of Agriculture.

Pork production totalled 1.76 billion pounds, up 2 percent from the previous year as hog slaughter reached 8.76 million heads, up 3 percent from May 2006.

The average live weight was down 1 pound from the previous year, at 269 pounds.

Commercial red meat production for the first five months of the year was 19.5 billion pounds, up 2 percent from 2006. Accumulated beef production was up 2 percent from last year, veal was up 9 percent, pork was up 2 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 3 percent.