Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 10/21/16


Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.32 billionpounds in September, up 4 percent from the 4.14 billion pounds produced in September 2015.

Beef production in September, at 2.18 billion pounds, was 4 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.62 million head, up 6 percent from September 2015. The average live weight was down 12 pounds from the previous year, at 1,370 pounds.

Veal production totaled 6.2 million pounds, 10 percent below September a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 42,500 head, up 14 percent from September 2015. The average live weight was down 61 pounds from last year, at 251 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.13 billion pounds, up 4 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 10.2 million head, up 5 percent from September 2015. The average live weight was unchanged from the previous year, at 280 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 12.0 million pounds, was down 2 percent from September 2015. Sheep slaughter totaled 193,300 head, slightly above last year. The average live weight was 125 pounds, down 3 pounds from September a year ago.

January to September 2016 commercial red meat production was 37.0 billion pounds, up 3 percent from 2015. Accumulated beef production was up 6 percent from last year, veal was down 8 percent, pork was up 1 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 1 percent.

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