USDA Livestock Slaughter

Red Meat Production Down 6 Percent From Last Year

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.91 billion pounds in July, down 6 percent from the 4.16 billion pounds produced in July 2013.

Beef production, at 2.09 billion pounds, was 9 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.60 million head, down 10 percent from July 2013. The average live weight was up 18 pounds from the previous year, at 1,320 pounds.

Veal production totaled 7.8 million pounds, 19 percent below July a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 48,500 head, down 31 percent from July 2013. The average live weight was up 41 pounds from last year, at 275 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.80 billion pounds, down 2 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 8.46 million head, down 7 percent from July 2013. The average live weight was up 12 pounds from the previous year, at 283 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 13.9 million pounds, was down 2 percent from July 2013. Sheep slaughter totaled 210,200 head, 2 percent below last year. The average live weight was 132 pounds, down 1 pound from July a year ago.

January to July 2014 commercial red meat production was 27.4 billion pounds, down 3 percent from 2013. Accumulated beef production was down 6 percent from last year, veal was down 11 percent, pork was down slightly from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up 1 percent.

Source: USDA