Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 4/21/17


Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.54 billion pounds in March, up 6 percent from the 4.26 billion pounds produced in March 2016.

Both March 2016 and March 2017 contained 23 weekdays (including 0 holidays) and four Saturdays.

March beef production, at 2.25 billion pounds, was 7 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.77 million head, up 9 percent from March 2016. The average live weight was down 20 pounds from the previous year, at 1,350 pounds.
Veal production totaled 6.4 million pounds, 1 percent above March a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 45,000 head, up 25 percent from March 2016. The average live weight was down 56 pounds from last year, at 246 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.27 billion pounds, up 6 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 10.7 million head, up 6 percent from March 2016. The average live weight was unchanged from the previous year, at 284 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 13.7 million pounds, was down 4 percent from March 2016. Sheep slaughter totaled 196,900 head, 5 percent below last year. The average live weight was 140 pounds, up 2 pounds from March a year ago.

January to March 2017 commercial red meat production was 12.8 billion pounds, up 4 percent from 2016. Accumulated beef production was up 6 percent from last year, veal was down 4 percent, pork was up 3 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 2 percent.

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