News

2018 red meat production remains well ahead of 2017

The USDA says commercial beef production was up slightly during June 2018, while pork production was modestly lower. Lamb and mutton and veal production notched record monthly lows.

Beef production was reported at 2.301 billion pounds, 1% higher than in June 2017, with a monthly slaughter of 2.876 million head, also 1% higher, and an average live weight of 1,321 pounds, unchanged on the year.

Pork came out at 2.009 billion pounds, down 2%, with a kill of 9.606 million head, 3% lower, and an average live weight of 280 pounds, 1 pound heavier.

Lamb and mutton totaled 12.3 million pounds, 1% less than last year, with a slaughter of 178,500 head, 5% lower, and an average live weight of 138 pounds, an increase of 4 pounds.

Veal was pegged at 5.8 million pounds, a decline of 8%, with a slaughter of 45,200 head, a jump of 12%, more than canceled out by a 46 pound drop in the average live weight.

For January through June of 2018, total red meat production is 26.272 billion pounds, 4% ahead of 2017’s record pace.

The USDA’s updated cold storage numbers are out Monday, July 23rd.