News

Record high totals for red meat, pork production

The USDA says more red meat was produced in October 2018 than any month on record.

The total of 4.9 billion pounds was up 6% on the year, led by pork, which also hit new all-time high for any recorded month at 2.450 billion pounds and was also up 6% on the year. The monthly hog slaughter was 6% higher than last year at 11.643 million head and the average live weight was unchanged at 283 pounds.

Beef production was 5% higher at 2.429 billion pounds, with the monthly kill rising 6% to 2.958 million head and the average live weight gaining two pounds to 1,363.

For the year to date, commercial red meat production is 44.632 billion pounds, 3% ahead of last year’s record pace, including increases of 3% for both beef and pork, 2% for veal, and 6% for lamb and mutton.