April 24, 2006

US red meat production increased 6.1 percent on-year, tops 4 billion pounds

US commercial red meat production for March increased 6.1 percent on-year to hit 4.112 billion pounds, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Red meat production was also 18 percent higher than February's 3.484 billion pounds. For January to March 2006, commercial red meat production is 11.486 billion pounds, up 5 percent on-year.

Total US cattle on feed as of April 1, 2006 hit a record 11.812 million head or 9 percent more than a year ago and up 10 percent from two years ago.

Commercial beef production hit 2.209 billion pounds, 21 percent higher than February and an 8 percent increase on-year. Commercial beef production for January to March 2006 is 6.078 billion pounds, up 6 percent from a year ago.

US cattle slaughter during March 2006 was up 22 percent from February and 5 percent higher than a year ago. For the first quarter of 2006, cattle slaughter totalled 7.84 million, 3 percent higher than the first quarter of 2005.

Average live weight was 1,273 pounds, 3 percent larger than last year.

Commercial pork production in March 2006 was at 1.871 billion pounds, a 14.6 percent increase over February and a 3.7 percent increase on-year.

Total US hog slaughter was at 9.234 million head, up 15 percent from February and 3 percent higher than last year.

For January to March 2006, slaughter totaled 26.204 million, 3 percent above the same period last year. Average hog weight for March 2006 was 272 pounds, unchanged from February 2006 and 1 pound higher than March 2005.