Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 8/26/11


Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.79 billion pounds in July, down 4 percent from the 3.96 billion pounds produced in July 2010, according to USDA’s monthly livestock slaughter report.

Beef production, at 2.14 billion pounds, was 4 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.77 million head, down 5 percent from July 2010. The average live weight was down 1 pound from the previous year, at 1,272 pounds.

Veal production totaled 10.1 million pounds, 8 percent below July a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 73,400 head, down 2 percent from July 2010. The average live weight was down 7 pounds from last year, at 244 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.64 billion pounds, down 4 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 8.16 million head, down 4 percent from July 2010. The average live weight was down 1 pound from the previous year, at 268 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 10.9 million pounds, was down 15 percent from July 2010. Sheep slaughter totaled 164,900 head, 16 percent below last year. The average live weight was 133 pounds, up 3 pounds from July a year ago.

January to July 2011 commercial red meat production was 28.0 billion pounds, up 1 percent from 2010. Accumulated beef production was up 1 percent from last year, veal was down 3 percent, pork was up 1 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 9 percent.

July 2010 contained 22 weekdays (including one holiday) and 5 Saturdays.
July 2011 contained 21 weekdays (including one holiday) and 5 Saturdays.

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