June 24, 2024

US red meat production up 1% in May

The United States' commercial red meat production in May 2024 was 4.62 billion pounds, 1% higher than in May 2023, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

US beef production was up 1% from the previous year with total cattle slaughter down 3%. The increase came from a 46-pound increase in the average live weights.  Pork production was up slightly from the previous year to 2.28 billion pounds; the decline in hogs slaughtered was offset by a one-pound increase in average live weights.

Year-to-date, US commercial red meat production is 23 billion pounds, a 1% increase over 2023. Accumulated beef production is down slightly, pork production was up 2%, and lamb and mutton production was up 1%.

The USDA said the dairy cow slaughter for May 2024 was 216,100 head, down 22,100 from April and 33,000 from May 2023.  Dairy cow slaughter, year-to-date was 1,244,400 head, 187,100 slower than the year before.

- Brownfield