Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 6/26/15

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.81 billion pounds in May, down 4 percent from the 3.95 billion pounds produced in May 2014, USDA reported in its monthly Livestock Slaughter report.

There was one less weekday in May this year than last year. There were five Saturdays both years.

Beef production, at 1.92 billion pounds, was 7 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.38 million head, down 10 percent from May 2014. The average live weight was up 33 pounds from the previous year, at 1,332 pounds.

Veal production totaled 6.6 million pounds, 16 percent below May a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 33,200 head, down 29 percent from May 2014. The average live weight was up 50 pounds from last year, at 335 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.86 billion pounds, up slightly from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 8.75 million head, up 1 percent from May 2014. The average live weight was down 3 pounds from the previous year, at 284 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 11.9 million pounds, was down 14 percent from May 2014. Sheep slaughter totaled 168,500 head, 13 percent below last year. The average live weight was 141 pounds, down 2 pounds from May a year ago.

January to May 2015 commercial red meat production was 19.7 billion pounds, up slightly from 2014. Accumulated beef production was down 5 percent from last year, veal was down 22 percent, pork was up 6 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 5 percent.

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