Source: MEATINGPLACE, 2/26/16

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.06 billion pounds in January, down 1 percent from the 4.09 billion pounds produced in January 2015.

Beef production, at 1.95 billion pounds, was 1 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.36 million head, down 2 percent from January 2015. The average live weight was up 23 pounds from the previous year, at 1,381 pounds.

Veal production totaled 6.7 million pounds, 2 percent below January a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 41,800 head, 5 percent above January 2015. The average live weight was down 17 pounds from last year, at 274 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.08 billion pounds, 1 percent below the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.74 million head, slightly below January 2015. The average live weight was down 2 pounds from the previous year, at 285 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 11.2 million pounds, was 4 percent below January 2015. Sheep slaughter totaled 161,400 head, 3 percent below last year. The average live weight was 139 pounds, down 1 pound from January a year ago.

January 2015 contained 22 weekdays (including 2 holidays) and five Saturdays. January 2016 contained 21 weekdays (including 2 holidays) and five Saturdays.

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