USDA Livestock Slaughter

Red Meat Production Down 1 Percent From Last Year

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.82 billion pounds in June, down 1 percent from the 3.85 billion pounds produced in June 2013.

Beef production, at 2.07 billion pounds, was 4 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.61 million head, down 5 percent from June 2013. The average live weight was up 7 pounds from the previous year, at 1,307 pounds.

Veal production totaled 7.6 million pounds, 10 percent below June a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 45,300 head, down 21 percent from June 2013. The average live weight was up 35 pounds from last year, at 285 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.73 billion pounds, up 3 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 8.10 million head, down 1 percent from June 2013. The average live weight was up 11 pounds from the previous year, at 285 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 13.4 million pounds, was up 5 percent from June 2013. Sheep slaughter totaled 193,300 head, 5 percent above last year. The average live weight was 138 pounds, down 1 pound from June a year ago.

January to June 2014 commercial red meat production was 23.5 billion pounds, down 3 percent from 2013. Accumulated beef production was down 5 percent from last year, veal was down 10 percent, pork was down slightly from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up 2 percent.

Source: USDA