USDA Livestock Slaughter

Red Meat Production Down 4 Percent From Last Year

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.32 billion pounds in October, down 4 percent from the 4.51 billion pounds produced in October 2013.

Beef production, at 2.17 billion pounds, was 6 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.64 million head, down 9 percent from October 2013. The average live weight was up 28 pounds from the previous year, at 1,355 pounds.

Veal production totaled 7.7 million pounds, 22 percent below October a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 43,300 head, down 38 percent from October 2013. The average live weight was up 59 pounds from last year, at 304 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.13 billion pounds, down 2 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.95 million head, down 4 percent from October 2013. The average live weight was up 8 pounds from the previous year, at 286 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 13.4 million pounds, was up 2 percent from October 2013. Sheep slaughter totaled 207,700 head, slightly below last year. The average live weight was 129 pounds, up 3 pounds from October a year ago.

January to October 2014 commercial red meat production was 39.5 billion pounds, down 4 percent from 2013. Accumulated beef production was down 6 percent from last year, veal was down 14 percent, pork was down 1 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down slightly.

Source: USDA