Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 1/20/12


U.S. pork production hit another record in December, totaling 2.07 billion pounds, up 1 percent from the previous December, according to USDA’s monthly Livestock Slaughter report.

Hog slaughter totaled 9.94 million head, up slightly from December 2010. The average live weight was up 1 pound from the previous year, at 278 pounds.

Beef production, at 2.13 billion pounds, was 6 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.75 million head, down 6 percent from December 2010. The average live weight was down 8 pounds from the previous year, at 1,297 pounds.

Veal production totaled 10.7 million pounds, 8 percent below December a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 72,900 head, down 6 percent from December 2010. The average live weight was down 8 pounds from last year, at 253 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 12.5 million pounds, was down 16 percent from December 2010. Sheep slaughter totaled 180,700 head, 16 percent below last year. The average live weight was 139 pounds, up 1 pound from December a year ago.

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.22 billion pounds in December, down 3 percent from the 4.35 billion pounds produced in December 2010. January to December 2011 commercial red meat production was 49.2 billion pounds, up slightly from 2010.

Accumulated beef production was down slightly from last year, veal was down 4 percent, pork was up 1 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 9 percent.

December 2010 contained 23 weekdays (including 2 holidays) and 4 Saturdays.

December 2011 contained 22 weekdays (including 1 holiday) and 5 Saturdays.

To read the full report click here.