Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 6/23/14


Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.95 billion pounds in May, down 5 percent from the 4.15 billion pounds produced in May 2013.

Beef production, at 2.07 billion pounds, was 7 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.63 million head, down 8 percent from May 2013. The average live weight was up 10 pounds from the previous year, at 1,299 pounds.

Veal production totaled 7.8 million pounds, 14 percent below May a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 46,700 head, down 20 percent from May 2013. The average live weight was up 19 pounds from last year, at 284 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.86 billion pounds, down 2 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 8.62 million head, down 6 percent from May 2013. The average live weight was up 11 pounds from the previous year, at 287 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 13.9 million pounds, was down 4 percent from May 2013. Sheep slaughter totaled 194,600 head, 7 percent below last year. The average live weight was 143 pounds, up 4 pounds from May a year ago.

January to May 2014 commercial red meat production was 19.6 billion pounds, down 3 percent from 2013.

Accumulated beef production was down 5 percent from last year, veal was down 10 percent, pork was down 1 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production  as up 1 percent.

May 2013 contained 23 weekdays (including one holiday) and 4 Saturdays.
May 2014 contained 22 weekdays (including one holiday) and 5 Saturdays.

Bottom line
Livestock analysts Steve Meyer and Len Steiner Inc. summed up the report like this: "[The] survey offered confirmation that cattle on feed numbers will remain tight going forward, keeping cattle/beef prices near all-time record highs into year end holidays."

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