Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 10/20/17


Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled a record 4.40 billion pounds in September, up 2 percent from the 4.33 billion pounds produced in September 2016, USDA said in the latest Livestock Slaughter report.

September 2016 contained 22 weekdays (including 1 holiday) and 4 Saturdays. September 2017 contained 21 weekdays (including 1 holiday) and 5 Saturdays.

Beef production, at 2.22 billion pounds, was 2 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.70 million head, up 3 percent from September 2016. The average live weight was down 11 pounds from the previous year, at 1,359 pounds.

Veal production totaled 6.1 million pounds, 1 percent below September a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 43,600 head, up 3 percent from September 2016. The average live weight was down 10 pounds from last year, at 241 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.16 billion pounds, up 2 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 10.3 million head, up 1 percent from September 2016. The average live weight was up 2 pounds from the previous year, at 282 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 11.2 million pounds, was down 7 percent from
September 2016. Sheep slaughter totaled 175,600 head, 9 percent below last year. The average live weight was 128 pounds, up 3 pounds from September a year ago.

January to September 2017 commercial red meat production was 38.4 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 from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 5 percent.

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