News

March red meat production down 5% on year

USDA reports commercial red meat production during March 2014 was 3.815 billion pounds, 5% less than the March 2013 total.

Beef was pegged at 1.938 billion pounds, also down 5% on the year, with the kill declining 5% to 2.451 million head and the average live weight gaining five pounds to 1,318 pounds. Veal came out at 8.7 million pounds, 5% below last year, with the slaughter dropping 14% to 53,600 head and the average live weight jumping 25 pounds to 277 pounds.

Pork was reported at 1.855 billion pounds, 4% lower than a year ago, with the slaughter down 7% to 8.675 million head and average live weight up eight pounds to 285 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production was 13.2 million pounds, a 5% year to year decline, with the kill 4% smaller at 190,000 head and average live weight losing a pound to 139 pounds.

So far this year, U.S. commercial red meat production is 11.717 billion pounds, 2% less than this time last year.