Commercial Red Meat Production Down From Last Year
Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.25 billion pounds in January, down 2 percent from the 4.35 billion pounds produced in January 2013.
Beef production, at 2.14 billion pounds, was 5 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.68 million head, down 5 percent from January 2013. The average live weight was up 7 pounds from the previous year, at 1,334 pounds.
Veal production totaled 9.3 million pounds, 11 percent below January a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 62,800 head, 11 percent below January 2013. The average live weight was unchanged from last year, at 253 pounds.
Pork production totaled 2.09 billion pounds, 1 percent above the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.79 million head, 2 percent below January 2013. The average live weight was up 7 pounds from the previous year, at 284 pounds.
Lamb and mutton production, at 12.4 million pounds, was slightly above January 2013. Sheep slaughter totaled 180,700 head, 2 percent above last year. The average live weight was 137 pounds, down 3 pounds from January a year ago.
Source: USDA