Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 11/22/13


Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.51 billion pounds in October, down 2 percent from the 4.58 billion pounds produced in October 2012, according to the most recent USDA Livestock Slaughter report.

Beef production, at 2.32 billion pounds, was 1 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.90 million head, down 2 percent from October 2012. The average live weight was up 9 pounds from the previous year, at 1,327 pounds.

Veal production totaled 10.0 million pounds, 4 percent below October a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 69,500 head, down 5 percent from October 2012. The average live weight was up 3 pounds from last year, at 245 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.17 billion pounds, down 2 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 10.42 million head, down 4 percent from October 2012. The average live weight was up 4 pounds from the previous year, at 278 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 13.1 million pounds, was down 8 percent from October 2012. Sheep slaughter totaled 208,100 head, slightly above last year. The average live weight was 126 pounds, down 11 pounds from October a year ago.

January to October 2013 commercial red meat production was 40.9 billion pounds, down 1 percent from 2012. Accumulated beef production was down slightly from last year, veal was down 6 percent, pork was down 1 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down slightly.

October 2012 contained 23 weekdays (including 1 holiday) and 4 Saturdays. October 2013 contained 23 weekdays (including 1 holiday) and 4 Saturdays.

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