June 28, 2004

US State Cattle Led $61 Million Livestock-product Boost In 2003
 

US State Oregon farmers produced $851 million worth of livestock products in 2003, including commodities ranging from honey to beef, according to the Oregon Agricultural Statistics Service.

That compares with $790 million worth of livestock products in 2002.

Cattle and calves led the way for the overall increase in the livestock category. Ranchers rounded up a production value of more than $429.8 million in 2003, a 12 percent increase from 2002.

Milk was the second-largest in the category with a production value of about $272 million, followed by eggs at more than $43 million and horses at about $25 million.

Fewer sheep and lambs were grazing in Oregon pastures last year, but prices had increased. Lamb prices showed about a $20 increase in the average price per 100 pounds, agriculture officials said.

The value of production exceeded $8.5 million.

Hog prices and production were up. Meanwhile, trout, mink, honey and other livestock products showed minor decreases in production value.