Source: Michael Fielding, MEATINGPLACE, 9/23/16


Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.43 billion pounds in August, up 14 percent from the 3.90 billion pounds produced in August 2015.

Beef production, at 2.26 billion pounds, was 17 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.75 million head, up 18 percent from August 2015. The average live weight was down 11 pounds from the previous year, at 1,352 pounds.

Veal production totaled 6.1 million pounds, 6 percent below August a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 40,900 head, up 19 percent from August 2015. The average live weight was down 63 pounds from last year, at 255 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.15 billion pounds, up 10 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 10.39 million head, up 11 percent from August 2015. The average live weight was down 2 pounds from the previous year, at 276 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 12.6 million pounds, was up 7 percent from August 2015. Sheep slaughter totaled 193,700 head, 11 percent above last year. The average live weight was 130 pounds, down 4 pounds from August a year ago.

January-to-August 2016 commercial red meat production was 32.7 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 slightly.

August 2015 contained 21 weekdays (including 0 holidays) and five Saturdays.
August 2016 contained 23 weekdays (including 0 holidays) and four Saturdays.

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