November 27, 2012

US red meat output, including beef, reaches 4.58 billion pounds in October, a rise of 7% from the 4.27 billion pounds produced in October 2011, according to a USDA report.

Beef production, at 2.34 billion pounds, was 6% above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totalled 2.95 million head, up 3% from October 2011. The average live weight was up 29 pounds from the previous year, at 1,318 pounds.

Veal production totalled 10.3 million pounds, 2% below October a year ago. Calf slaughter totalled 72,900 head, up slightly from October 2011. The average live weight was down 11 pounds from last year, at 242 pounds.

Pork production totalled 2.21 billion pounds, up 9% from the previous year. Hog slaughter totalled 10.86 million head, up 10% from October 2011. The average live weight was down one pound from the previous year, at 274 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 14.2 million pounds, was up 21% from October 2011. Sheep slaughter totalled 207,100 head, 18% above last year. The average live weight was 137 pounds, up three pounds from October a year ago.

Commercial red meat production for January-October 2012 was 41.1 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 6%.