November 26, 2007

US red meat production up 10 percent in October

Commercial red meat production for the United States totalled 4.61 billion pounds in October, up 10 percent from the 4.20 billion pounds produced in October 2006.  

Beef production was 9 percent up at 2.44 billion pounds from the previous year.  Cattle slaughter totalled 3.10 million heads, up 8 percent from October 2006.  The average live weight was up 9 pounds from the previous year, at 1,300 pounds.

Veal production totalled 11.1 million pounds, 16 percent below October a year ago.  Calf slaughter totalled 65,200 head, up 3 percent from October 2006.  The average live weight was down 59 pounds from last year, at 288 pounds.

Pork production totalled 2.14 billion pounds, up 11 percent from the previous year.  Hog kill totalled 10.7 million head, up 11 percent from October 2006.  The average live weight was up 1 pound from the previous year, at 270 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 16.4 million pounds, was up 5 percent from October 2006.  Sheep slaughter totalled 248,000 head, 5 percent above last year.  The average live weight was 132 pounds, up 1 pound from October a year ago.

Total red meat output from January to October 2007 production was 40.3 billion pounds, up 2 percent from 2006.  Accumulated beef production was up 1 percent from last year, veal was down 3 percent, pork was up 3 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 2 percent.