Source: Michael Fielding, MEATINGPLACE, 1/26/15


Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.14 billion pounds in December, up slightly from the 4.14 billion pounds produced in December 2013.

Beef production, at 2.00 billion pounds, was 2 percent below that of the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.44 million head, down 5 percent from December 2013. The average live weight was up 29 pounds from the previous year, at 1,363 pounds.

Veal production totaled 7.6 million pounds, 22 percent below December a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 43,000 head, down 35 percent from December 2013. The average live weight was up 51 pounds from last year, at 302 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.11 billion pounds, up 2 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.85 million head, up 1 percent from December 2013. The average live weight was up 3 pounds from the previous year, at 286 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 13.4 million pounds, was up 3 percent from December 2013. Sheep slaughter totaled 200,000 head, slightly above last year. The average live weight was 134 pounds, up 3 pounds from December a year ago.

January to December 2014 commercial red meat production was 47.3 billion pounds down 4 percent from 2013. Accumulated beef production was down 6 percent from last year, veal was down 16 percent, pork was down 1 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down slightly.

December 2013 contained 22 weekdays (including one holiday) and four Saturdays. December 2014 contained 23 weekdays (including one holiday) and four Saturdays.

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