Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 1/19/17



Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.40 billion pounds in December, up 3 percent from the 4.27 billion pounds produced in December 2015, USDA estimated in its monthly Livestock Slaughter report.

December 2015 contained 23 weekdays (including 1 holiday) and 4 Saturdays.
December 2016 contained 22 weekdays (including 1 holiday) and 5 Saturdays.

Beef production, at 2.17 billion pounds, was 6 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.61 million head, up 7 percent from December 2015. The average live weight was down 7 pounds from the previous year, at 1,381 pounds.

Veal production totaled 6.8 million pounds, 13 percent below December a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 48,800 head, up 8 percent from December 2015. The average live weight was down 55 pounds from last year, at 240 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.21 billion pounds, up slightly from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 10.5 million head, up 1 percent from December 2015. The average live weight was down 2 pounds from the previous year, at 283 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 13.1 million pounds, was down 1 percent from
December 2015. Sheep slaughter totaled 197,100 head, 2 percent below last year. The average live weight was 133 pounds, up 1 pound from December a year ago.

January to December 2016 commercial red meat production was 50.4 billion pounds, up 4 percent from 2015. Accumulated beef production was up 6 percent from last year, veal was down 9 percent, pork was up 2 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down slightly.

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