August 31, 2009

US beef production in July declined four percent on-year to 1.03 million tonnes, according to the USDA's July Livestock Slaughter report.

The result concurs with the latest USDA cattle on feed report which indicates sluggish fed cattle marketings as the industry battles poor margins and weak beef demand.

The number of cattle slaughtered totalled 2.92 million head, down five percent on July 2008 while the average live weight increased by four kg from the previous year, to 582kg.

Veal production was down 12 percent on last year to 4,900 tonnes, with calf slaughter totalling 79,900 head, down nine percent on July 2008. The average live weight fell 5.9kg to 104kg.

Pork production in July registered a one-percent decrease on the previous year to 830,000 tonnes.

Overall commercial red meat production in January to June 2009 was down three percent from 2008 to 12.9 million tonnes. Over the six month period, beef, veal and pork production were each down three percent from last year.