September 25, 2003
US Veal, Lamb and Mutton Production At Record Lows For August
Commercial red meat production for the United States totalled 3.91 billion pounds in August, down 5 percent from the 4.14 billion pounds produced in August 2002.
Beef production, at 2.33 billion pounds, was 6 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totalled 3.13 million head, down 2 percent from August 2002. The average live weight was down 34 pounds from the previous year, at 1,225 pounds.
Veal production totalled 14.2 million pounds, a new monthly low and 15 percent below August a year ago. Calf slaughter totalled 79,700 head, down 17 percent from August 2002. The average live weight was 5 pounds above last year, at 294 pounds.
Pork production totalled 1.56 billion pounds, down 5 percent from the previous year. Hog kill totalled 8.04 million head, 6 percent below August 2002. The average live weight was 1 pound above the previous year, at 260 pounds.
Lamb and mutton production, at 15.7 million pounds, was down 6 percent from August 2002 and was a new monthly low. Sheep slaughter totalled 241,200 head, 9 percent below last year. The average live weight was 129 pounds, up 3 pounds from August a year ago.
