US Red Meat Production Up
US - Commercial red meat production for the United States reached 4.09 billion pounds in April, up six per cent from the 3.86 billion pounds produced in April 2012.Beef production, at 2.13 billion pounds, was seven per cent above the previous year.
Cattle slaughter was 2.73 million head, up six per cent from April 2012. The average live weight was up 14 pounds from the previous year, at 1,295 pounds.
Veal production totalled 9.1 million pounds, eight per cent below April a year ago.
Calf slaughter was 58,600 head, up four per cent from April 2012. The average live weight was down 29 pounds from last year, at 266 pounds.
Pork production reached 1.94 billion pounds, up five per cent from the previous year.
Hog slaughter totalled 9.36 million head, up six per cent from April 2012. The average live weight was down one pound from the previous year, at 277 pounds.
Lamb and mutton production, at 13.4 million pounds, was up four per cent from April 2012.
Sheep slaughter totalled 191,700 head, six per cent above last year. The average live weight was 140 pounds, down two pounds from April a year ago.
January to April 2013 commercial red meat production was 16.1 billion pounds, up slightly from 2012.
Accumulated beef production was up slightly from last year, veal was down six per cent, pork was up slightly from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down one per cent.
TheCattleSite News Desk