Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 4/25/14

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.81 billion pounds in March, down 5 percent from the 3.99 billion pounds produced in March 2013, according to USDA’s monthly Livestock Slaughter report.

Beef production, at 1.94 billion pounds, was 5 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.45 million head, down 5 percent from March 2013. The average live weight was up 5 pounds from the previous year, at 1,318 pounds.

Veal production totaled 8.7 million pounds, 5 percent below March a year ago.

Calf slaughter totaled 53,600 head, down 14 percent from March 2013. The average live weight was up 25 pounds from last year, at 277 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.85 billion pounds, down 4 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 8.67 million head, down 7 percent from March 2013. The average live weight was up 8 pounds from the previous year, at 285 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 13.2 million pounds, was down 5 percent from March 2013. Sheep slaughter totaled 190,000 head, 4 percent below last year.

The average live weight was 139 pounds, down 1 pound from March a year ago.

January to March 2014 commercial red meat production was 11.7 billion pounds, down 2 percent from 2013. Accumulated beef production was down 5 percent from last year, veal was down 9 percent, pork was up slightly from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 1 percent.

March this year and last year both contained 21 weekdays (including no holidays) and 5 Saturdays.

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