March 25, 2005

USDA pork production at a high while beef numbers go down

Commercial red meat production for the United States went up 1 percent from the 3.40 billion pounds produced in February 2004 to 3.42 billion pounds in February 2005. Beef production was down 2 percent to 1.77 billion pounds. Cattle slaughter totalled 2.34 million head, down 4 percent from February 2004.  The average live weight was up 21 pounds from the previous year, at 1,254 pounds.

Veal production dropped 16 percent to 12.1 million pounds and calf slaughter went down 13 percent to 61,900 heads. The average live weight was 8 pounds below last year, at 328 pounds.

Pork production totalled 1.63 billion pounds, up 4 percent from the previous year.  Hog kill totalled 8.10 million head, 3 percent above February 2004.  The average live weight was 2 pounds above the previous year, at 270 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production went up 3 percent from February 2004 to 15.2 million pounds, while Sheep slaughter totalled 215,000 head, 1 percent above last year.  The average live weight was 140 pounds, up 1 pound from February a year ago.

January to February 2005 commercial red meat production was 7.1 billion pounds, down 1 percent from 2004.  Accumulated beef production was down 1 percent from last year, veal was down 17 percent, pork was up slightly from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 2 percent.