April 26, 2024

US red meat production declines for second consecutive year

Red meat production in the US saw a decline for the second consecutive year in 2023, according to data released by the US Department of Agriculture, Brownfield Ag News reported.

The USDA reported a total production of 54.538 billion pounds, reflecting a 2% decrease from the previous year. This decline follows a 1% decrease in 2022, which itself was 1% lower than the record-high set in 2021.

Beef production specifically saw a decrease to 27.033 billion pounds in 2023, marking a 5% decline compared to the previous year. This decrease was attributed to a 4% reduction in commercial slaughter, totalling 32.8 million head, driven by tighter numbers and a four-pound drop in the average live weight to 1,365 pounds.

The reduction in cattle slaughter encompassed declines in steers, bulls, heifers, and other types of cows, while the slaughter of dairy cows surpassed the previous year's figures.

In contrast, pork production experienced a slight increase to 27.318 billion pounds, up by 1% from the previous year. This increase was driven by a 2% rise in the annual slaughter to 128 million head, offsetting a two-pound decline in the average live weight to 287 pounds.

The USDA is set to release its projections for red meat production in 2024 on May 10, 2024.

-      Brownfield Ag News