Source:  Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 2/28/11

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.04 billion pounds in January, up 3 percent from January 2010, in part due to heavier animals, according to USDA’s monthly Livestock Slaughter report.

Beef production, at 2.12 billion pounds, was 2 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.74 million head, up 1 percent from January 2010. The average live weight was up 11 pounds from the previous year, at 1,301 pounds.

Veal production totaled 10.8 million pounds, 7 percent below January a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 71,800 head, 13 percent below January 2010. The average live weight was up 24 pounds from last year, at 262 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.90 billion pounds, 5 percent above the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.10 million head, 2 percent above January 2010. The average live weight was up 6 pounds from the previous year, at 278 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 11.2 million pounds, was 13 percent below January 2010. Sheep slaughter totaled 161,100 head, 14 percent below last year. The average live weight was 139 pounds, up 1 pound from January a year ago.

January 2010 contained 21 weekdays (including two holidays) and 5 Saturdays.
January 2011 contained 21 weekdays (including one holiday) and 5 Saturdays.

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