October 26, 2010

US red meat output down 2% in September

Commercial red meat production for the US totalled 4.16 billion pounds in September, down 2% from the 4.26 billion pounds produced in September 2009, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

Beef production, at 2.25 billion pounds, was 1% above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.90 million heads, up 3% from September 2009. The average live weight was down 21 pounds from the previous year, at 1,289 pounds.

Veal production totalled 11.3 million pounds, 4% below September a year ago. Calf slaughter totalled 71,200 heads, down 12% from September 2009. The average live weight was up 28 pounds from last year, at 273 pounds.

Pork production totalled 1.88 billion pounds, down 6% from the previous year. Hog kill totaled 9.34 million heads, down 6% from September 2009. The average live weight was unchanged from the previous year, at 270 pounds.

Meanwhile, January-September 2010 commercial red meat production was 36.1 billion pounds, down 2% from 2009. Accumulated beef production was up slightly from last year, veal was down 1% and pork was down 4% from last year.