September 25, 2012

US red meat production saw 2% rise for August 2012

Red meat production for the US reached 4.39 billion pounds in August, a 2% rise from the 4.3 billion pounds produced in August 2011.

Beef production, at 2.37 billion pounds, was 1% below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totalled 3 million head, down 3% from August 2011. The average live weight was up 30 pounds from the previous year, at 1,300 pounds.

Veal production totalled 10.1 million pounds, 11% below August a year ago. Calf slaughter totalled 72,600 head, down 9% from August 2011. The average live weight was down 11 pounds from last year, at 237 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 14.2 million pounds, was up 8% from August 2011. Sheep slaughter totalled 200,500 head, 1% above last year. The average live weight was 142 pounds, up 10 pounds from August a year ago.

January to August 2012 commercial red meat production was 32.6 billion pounds, up 1% from 2011. Accumulated beef production was down 1% from last year, veal was down 9%, pork was up 3% from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up 4%.

Both the August 2011 and 2012 period contained 23 weekdays (including no holidays) and four Saturdays.