July 26, 2004

US Pork Production Sets Record Monthly High For June
 

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.93 billion pounds in June, down 1 percent from the 3.95 billion pounds produced in June 2003.

Beef production, at 2.23 billion pounds, was 7 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.99 million head, down 8 percent from June 2003. The average live weight was up 8 pounds from the previous year, at 1,225 pounds.

Veal production totaled 13.4 million pounds, 11 percent below June a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 66,400 head, down 10 percent from June 2003. The average live weight was 2 pounds above last year, at 338 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.67 billion pounds, up 9 percent from the previous year, and set records monthly high. Hog kill totaled 8.50 million head, 10 percent above June 2003. The average live weight was 2 pounds below the previous year, at 264 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 15.5 million pounds, was up 2 percent from June 2003. Sheep slaughter totaled 230,900 head, 1 percent above last year. The average live weight was 134 pounds, up 2 pounds from June a year ago.

January to June 2004 commercial red meat production was 22.3 billion pounds, down 3 percent from 2003. Accumulated beef production was down 8 percent from last year, veal was down 12 percent, pork was up 4 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 1 percent.