July 23, 2012

US red meat production reduced from June 2011

According to USDA's monthly Livestock Slaughter report, US commercial red meat production reached 4.02 billion pounds in June, down 5% from the 4.22 billion pounds produced in June 2011.

Beef production, at 2.25 billion pounds, was 5% below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totalled 2.87 million head, down 8% from June 2011. The average live weight was up 28 pounds from the previous year, at 1,290 pounds.

Pork production totalled 1.75 billion pounds, down 4% from the previous year. Hog slaughter totalled 8.55 million head, down 4% from June 2011. The average live weight was up one pound from the previous year, at 274 pounds.

Veal production totalled 8.9 million pounds, 20% below June a year ago. Calf slaughter totalled 56,000 head, down 23% from June 2011. The average live weight was up four pounds from last year, at 270 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 12.4 million pounds, was down 1% from June 2011. Sheep slaughter totalled 168,900 head, 8% below last year. The average live weight was 147 pounds, up 10 pounds from June a year ago.

January to June 2012 commercial red meat production was 24.3 billion pounds, up slightly from 2011.

Accumulated beef production was down 2% from last year, veal was down 9%, pork was up 3% from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up 2%.