Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 3/25/16


Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.90 billion pounds in February, up 5 percent from the 3.73 billion pounds produced in February 2015. This year February had an extra day, due to leap year.

Beef production, at 1.89 billion pounds, was 7 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.29 million head, up 5 percent from February 2015. The average live weight was up 17 pounds from the previous year, at 1,372 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.00 billion pounds, up 3 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.43 million head, up 4 percent from February 2015. The average live weight was down 2 pounds from the previous year, at 283 pounds.

Veal production totaled 6.1 million pounds, 3 percent below February a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 36,500 head, down 1 percent from February 2015. The average live weight was down 6 pounds from last year, at 287 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 12.5 million pounds, was up 8 percent from February 2015. Sheep slaughter totaled 175,800 head, 7 percent above last year. The average live weight was 142 pounds, up 1 pound from February a year ago.

January to February 2016 commercial red meat production was 8 billion pounds, up 2 percent from 2015. Accumulated beef production was up 3 percent from last year, veal was down 2 percent, pork was up 1 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up 2 percent.

February 2015 contained 20 weekdays (including 1 holiday) and four Saturdays.
February 2016 contained 21 weekdays (including 1 holiday) and four Saturdays.

For more stories, go to www.meatingplace.com.