August 26, 2013

US commercial red meat production has jumped 5% higher to 4.16 billion pounds in July 2013, a rise from the 3.95 billion pounds produced a year ago, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

Beef production was 4% higher at 2.29 billion pounds. Cattle slaughter totalled 2.89 million head, an increase of 4% from July 2012, NASS reported. The average live weight increased seven pounds to 1,302 pounds.

Veal production climbed 1% to 9.6 million pounds in July, while calf slaughter totalled 70,000 head, up 4% from a year ago, according to NASS. The average live weight declined seven pounds compared to 2012, at 234 pounds.

Pork production reached 1.84 billion pounds, which was 7% higher compared to a year ago. Hog slaughter advanced 6% to total 9.08 million head; and the average live weight was increased two pounds to 271 pounds, NASS said.

Lamb and mutton production, at 14.1 million pounds, was 13% higher compared to July 2012, according to NASS. Sheep slaughter was 19% higher at 211,600 head. The average live weight was 133 pounds, down seven pounds from July 2012.

January to July 2013 commercial red meat production was slightly higher compared to year-ago levels at 28.3 billion pounds. Accumulated beef production also was up slightly from 2012. Veal has declined by 6% while pork increased slightly from last year. Lamb and mutton production gained by 2%, NASS reported.