Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 6/24/16


Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4 billion pounds in May, up 5 percent from the 3.81 billion pounds produced in May 2015.

Beef production, at 2.03 billion pounds, was 5 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.51 million head, up 6 percent from May 2015. The average live weight was up 1 pound from the previous year, at 1,333 pounds.

Veal production totaled 6.0 million pounds, 9 percent below May a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 35,500 head, up 7 percent from May 2015. The average live weight was down 49 pounds from last year, at 286 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.95 billion pounds, up 5 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.18 million head, up 5 percent from May 2015. The average live weight was down 1 pound from the previous year, at 283 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 13.0 million pounds, was up 9 percent from May 2015. Sheep slaughter totaled 185,300 head, 9 percent above last year. The average live weight was 140 pounds, down 1 pound from May a year ago.

January to May 2016 commercial red meat production was 20.2 billion pounds, up 3 percent from 2015. Accumulated beef production was up 4 percent from last year, veal was down 6 percent, pork was up 1 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up 1 percent.

May 2015 contained 21 weekdays (including one holiday) and five Saturdays.
May 2016 contained 22 weekdays (including one holiday) and four Saturdays.

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