July 26, 2004

Hawaii Beef, Pork Production Down

Both beef and pork production in Hawaii are still running significantly lower than last year's levels as the state's consumers increasingly rely on meat that has been shipped here from the mainland.

Hawaii cattle marketings for May totaled 6,900 head, well down from 8,200 head a year ago, the Hawaii Agricultural Statistics Service reports. Out-of-state shipments accounted for most of the decline as exports decreased 18 percent from a year ago to 6,000 head.

Cumulative marketings for the first five months of 2004 were 16,200 head, a decrease of 31 percent from the same period a year earlier. Year-to-date exports for 2004 were 11,900 head, down fully 37 percent from last year.

Commercial beef production or local slaughter in May totaled 511,000 pounds, down from 525,000 pounds a year earlier. Commercial kill for May 2004 totaled 900 head, unchanged from a year ago. Average live weight per head, at 1,068 pounds, was 4 percent heavier than a year ago.

National beef production in the same period, 2.07 billion pounds, was 12 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.84 million head, down 13 percent. Average live weight was down 4 pounds from the previous year, at 1,204 pounds.

Pork production also lower

Hawaii commercial pork production in May totaled 354,000 pounds, compared with 395,000 pounds a year ago.

Total hog kill of 2,300 head was 200 head fewer than a year ago. Average live weight per head, at 204 pounds, was 4 percent lighter than a year ago.

National pork production totaled 1.50 billion pounds, down 3 percent from the previous year. Hog kill totaled 7.58 million head, 3 percent below May 2003. The average live weight was 1 pound below the previous year, at 266 pounds.