Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 5/22/15

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.02 billion pounds in April, up 1 percent from the 3.98 billion pounds produced in April 2014, according to USDA’s monthly Livestock Slaughter report.

Pork production totaled 2.07 billion pounds, up 8 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.68 million head, up 9 percent from April 2014. The average live weight was down 3 pounds from the previous year, at 284 pounds.

Beef production, at 1.93 billion pounds, was 6 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.38 million head, down 8 percent from April 2014. The average live weight was up 32 pounds from the previous year, at 1,338 pounds.

Veal production totaled 6.6 million pounds, 21 percent below April a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 35,400 head, down 27 percent from April 2014. The average live weight was up 24 pounds from last year, at 318 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 13.6 million pounds, was down 10 percent from April 2014. Sheep slaughter totaled 198,200 head, 11 percent below last year. The average live weight was 138 pounds, up 1 pound from April a year ago.

January to April 2015 commercial red meat production was 15.9 billion pounds, up 1 percent from 2014. Accumulated beef production was down 4 percent from last year, veal was down 23 percent, pork was up 7 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 2 percent.

Both April 2014 and April 2015 contained 22 weekdays (including 0 holidays) and 4 Saturdays.

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