June 23, 2017

Meatingplace.com - Lisa Keefe

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.28 billion pounds in May, up 7 percent from the 4 billion pounds produced in May 2016 according to the June Livestock Slaughter report from USDA.

May 2016 contained 22 weekdays (including 1 holiday) and 4 Saturdays. May 2017 contained 23 weekdays (including 1 holiday) and 4 Saturdays.

Beef production, at 2.16 billion pounds, was 6 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.75 million head, up 9 percent from May 2016. The average live weight was down 26 pounds from the previous year, at 1,307 pounds.

Veal production totaled 6.3 million pounds, 6 percent above May a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 39,300 head, up 11 percent from May 2016. The average live weight was down 11 pounds from last year, at 276 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.10 billion pounds, up 8 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.95 million head, up 8 percent from May 2016. The average live weight was down 1 pound from the previous year, at 282 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 11.8 million pounds, was down 9 percent from May 2016. Sheep slaughter totaled 180,300 head, 3 percent below last year. The average live weight was 131 pounds, down 9 pounds from May a year ago