August 29, 2023

US red meat production declines by 2% in July 2023

In a year-on-year comparison, US red meat production for the month of July 2023 witnessed a 2% decline from the output recorded in July 2022, Brownfield Ag News reported.

According to data released by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the total red meat production for July amounted to 4.129 billion pounds. This figure reflects a substantial 6% decrease in US beef production, which stood at 2.109 billion pounds. This drop in beef output offset a 2% increase in pork production, reaching 2.007 billion pounds. These fluctuations in production are closely linked to factors such as slaughter rates and the availability of livestock.

The report highlights that cattle slaughter amounted to 2.6 million head, while swine slaughter totalled 9.616 million head. Additionally, the average live weights for cattle and swine were observed at 1,344 and 281 pounds, respectively.

Within the category of beef production, the figures encompassed a decrease in cattle slaughter when compared to the previous year. This may signify that certain producers are in the process of rebuilding their herds following a prolonged period of herd liquidation. Specifically, the monthly cow slaughter was documented at 504,400 head, bringing the cumulative figure for 2023 to 3,858,900 head.

Meanwhile, dairy cattle slaughter totalled 244,200 head, revealing an 11,500 decrease from the previous month but an overall year-on-year increase of 14,100. The year-to-date total for dairy cattle slaughter stands at 1,863,100 head, surpassing the pace of the previous year by 112,400 head.

The USDA's report also highlights that veal, lamb, and mutton production have reached record lows for the month.

The USDA is set to release its next set of meat production estimates on September 12th.

-      Brownfield Ag News