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March pork production jumps 14%

 

The USDA reports U.S. red meat production during March 2015 was 4.064 billion pounds, an increase of 7% from March 2014. For the first quarter of 2015, U.S. red meat production is 11.883 billion pounds, 1% above last year, with beef 3% behind its 2014 pace and pork 7% ahead.

Beef production was down slightly on the year at 1.932 billion pounds, with the slaughter 3% lower at 2.378 million head and average live weight 30 pounds heavier to 1,348 pounds.

Pork came out at 2.112 billion pounds, a year to year jump of 14%, with the kill also up 14% to 9.886 million head and the average live weight unchanged at 285 pounds.

Lamb and mutton was pegged at 14.3 million pounds, 8% above a year ago, with the slaughter also up 8% at 204,600 head and the average live weight one pound higher at 140 pounds.