News

August red meat production notches new record

U.S. red meat production during August was a new all-time high for the month 4.766 billion pounds.

That’s up 3% on the year, with a 1% increase in beef production to 2.430 billion pounds and a 5% jump in pork at 2.316 billion as higher slaughter levels canceled out steady to lighter average weights. The cattle kill was 2.978 million head, 1% higher, with an average live weight of 1,344 pounds, one pound lighter, while the hog slaughter was 11.156 million head, up 5%, with an average live weight of 278 pounds, unchanged on the year.

For the year to date, red meat production is 35.274 billion pounds, 4% ahead of 2017’s record pace, including 4% rises for both beef and pork.