USDA Livestock Slaughter

Red Meat Production Down 10 Percent From Last Year

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.80 billion pounds in August, down 10 percent from the 4.20 billion pounds produced in August 2013.

Beef production, at 2.02 billion pounds, was 10 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.50 million head, down 11 percent from August 2013. The average live weight was up 19 pounds from the previous year, at 1,329 pounds.

Veal production totaled 7.1 million pounds, 22 percent below August a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 43,600 head, down 32 percent from August 2013. The average live weight was up 37 pounds from last year, at 277 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.75 billion pounds, down 10 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 8.27 million head, down 13 percent from August 2013. The average live weight was up 11 pounds from the previous year, at 282 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 11.7 million pounds, was down 15 percent from August 2013. Sheep slaughter totaled 181,400 head, 13 percent below last year. The average live weight was 129 pounds, down 4 pounds from August a year ago.

January to August 2014 commercial red meat production was 31.2 billion pounds, down 4 percent from 2013. Accumulated beef production was down 6 percent from last year, veal was down 12 percent, pork was down 2 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 1 percent.

Source: USDA