USDA Livestock Slaughter

Red Meat Production Down From Last Year

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.76 billion pounds in November, down 9 percent from the 4.12 billion pounds produced in November 2013.

Beef production, at 1.85 billion pounds, was 10 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.25 million head, down 12 percent from November 2013. The average live weight was up 24 pounds from the previous year, at 1,363 pounds.

Veal production totaled 6.5 million pounds, 29 percent below November a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 35,900 head, down 41 percent from November 2013. The average live weight was up 50 pounds from last year, at 306 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.89 billion pounds, down 7 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 8.81 million head, down 9 percent from November 2013. The average live weight was up 3 pounds from the previous year, at 286 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 11.5 million pounds, was down 3 percent from November 2013. Sheep slaughter totaled 173,600 head, 6 percent below last year. The average live weight was 133 pounds, up 5 pounds from November a year ago.

January to November 2014 commercial red meat production was 43.2 billion pounds, down 4 percent from 2013. Accumulated beef production was down 6 percent from last year, veal was down 15 percent, pork was down 2 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down slightly.

Source: USDA