March 24, 2014
US February red meat production down 1% on-year
In February 2014, commercial red meat production for the US totalled 3.65 billion pounds, down 1% from the 3.67 billion pounds produced in February 2013.
Pork production totalled 1.84 billion pounds, up 4% from the previous year. Hog slaughter totalled 8.67 million head, up 1% from February 2013. The average live weight was up six pounds from the previous year, at 283 pounds.
Beef production was 5% below the previous year at 1.79 billion pounds, while cattle slaughter totalled 2.24 million head, down 5% from February 2013. The average live weight was up 10 pounds from the previous year, at 1,330 pounds.
Veal production totalled 8.2 million pounds, 9% below February a year ago. Calf slaughter totalled 52,200 head, down 12% from February 2013. The average live weight was up nine pounds from last year, at 267 pounds.
Meanwhile, lamb and mutton production was up 1% from February 2013 at 11.6 million pounds. Sheep slaughter totalled 168,200 head, 4% above last year. The average live weight was 138 pounds, down four pounds from February a year ago.
January-February 2014 commercial red meat production was 7.9 billion pounds, down 1% from 2013. Accumulated beef production was down 5% from last year, veal was down 10%. Pork was up 2% from last year. Lamb and mutton productionreportslight growths.