Source: Michael Fielding, MEATINGPLACE, 9/20/13


Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.20 billion pounds in August, down 4 percent from the 4.39 billion pounds produced in August 2012, the USDA reported.

Beef production, at 2.24 billion pounds, was 5 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.82 million head, down 6 percent from August 2012. The average live weight was up 10 pounds from the previous year, at 1,310 pounds.

Veal production totaled 9.1 million pounds, 11 percent below August a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 64,500 head, down 11 percent from August 2012. The average live weight was up 3 pounds from last year, at 240 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.94 billion pounds, down 3 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.56 million head, down 4 percent from August 2012. The average live weight was up 2 pounds from the previous year, at 271 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 13.8 million pounds, was down 3 percent from August 2012. Sheep slaughter totaled 208,100 head, 4 percent above last year. The average live weight was 133 pounds, down 9 pounds from August a year ago.

January to August 2013 commercial red meat production was 32.5 billion pounds, down slightly from 2012. Accumulated beef production was down 1 percent from last year, veal was down 6 percent, pork was down slightly from last year and lamb and mutton production was up 2 percent.

August 2012 contained 23 weekdays (including 0 holidays) and 4 Saturdays.
August 2013 contained 22 weekdays (including 0 holidays) and 5 Saturdays.

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