December 24, 2012

US November red meat production up 1% on-year

US commercial red meat production in November totalled 4.31 billion pounds, up 1% from November 2011's production of 4.26 billion pounds.

Beef production, at 2.21 billion pounds, was 3% above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totalled 2.78 million head, down slightly from November 2011. The average live weight was up 28 pounds from the previous year, at 1,321 pounds.

Veal production totalled 10.1 million pounds, 7% below November a year ago. Calf slaughter totalled 70,500 head, down 4% from November 2011. The average live weight was down 11 pounds from last year, at 244 pounds.

Pork production totalled 2.08 billion pounds, down slightly from the previous year. Hog slaughter totalled 10.11 million head, up 1% from November 2011. The average live weight was down two pounds from the previous year, at 276 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production were at 12.4 million pounds, down 2% from November 2011. Sheep slaughter totalled 181,800 head, 3% below last year. The average live weight was 137 pounds, up two pounds from November a year ago.

From January-November 2012 commercial red meat production was 45.4 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 5%.