Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 9/22/17



Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.63 billion pounds in August, up 4 percent from the 4.43 billion pounds produced in August 2016.

Both August 2016 and August 2017 contained 23 weekdays and four Saturdays.

Beef production, at 2.4 billion pounds, was 6 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.94 million head, up 7 percent from August 2016. The average live weight was down 7 pounds from the previous year, at 1,345 pounds.

Veal production totaled 6.4 million pounds, 5 percent above August a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 46,200 head, up 13 percent from August 2016. The average live weight was down 17 pounds from last year, at 238 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.21 billion pounds, up 3 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 10.7 million head, up 3 percent from August 2016. The average live weight was up 2 pounds from the previous year, at 278 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 12.8 million pounds, was up 2 percent from August 2016. Sheep slaughter totaled 194,100 head, slightly above last year. The average live weight was 132 pounds, up 2 pounds from August a year ago.

January to August 2017 commercial red meat production was 34 billion pounds, up 4 percent from 2016. Accumulated beef production was up 5 percent from last year, veal was down 1 percent, pork was up 3 percent, and lamb and mutton production was down 4 percent.

For more stories, go to www.meatingplace.com.