Source: Lisa M. Keefe, MEATINGPLACE, 9/23/11


Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.30 billion pounds in August, up 4 percent from the 4.13 billion pounds produced in August 2010.

Beef production, at 2.39 billion pounds, was 4 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 3.10 million head, up 5 percent from August 2010. The average live weight was down 7 pounds from the previous year, at 1,270 pounds.

Veal production totaled 11.3 million pounds, 1 percent above August a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 79,900 head, up 5 percent from August 2010. The average live weight was down 7 pounds from last year, at 247 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.89 billion pounds, up 4 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.53 million head, up 5 percent from August 2010. The average live weight was down 1 pound from the previous year, at 266 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 13.1 million pounds, was up 2 percent from August 2010. Sheep slaughter totaled 198,200 head, 3 percent below last year. The average live weight was 132 pounds, up 6 pounds from August a year ago.

January to August 2011 commercial red meat production was 32.3 billion pounds, up 1 percent from 2010. Accumulated beef production was up 1 percent from last year, veal was down 2 percent, pork was up 1 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 8 percent.

August 2010 contained 22 weekdays (including no holidays) and four Saturdays.
August 2011 contained 23 weekdays (including no holidays) and four Saturdays.

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