U.S. red meat production down in May

By Rita Jane Gabbett on 6/21/2013

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.15 billion pounds in May 2013, down 1 percent from the 4.18 billion pounds produced in May 2012, according to USDA’s monthly Livestock Slaughter report.   Beef production, at 2.23 billion pounds, was slightly below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.86 million head, down slightly from May 2012. The average live weight was up 9 pounds from the previous year, at 1,289 pounds.  Veal production totaled 9.1 million pounds, 12 percent below May a year ago.         Calf slaughter totaled 58,200 head, down 2 percent from May 2012. The average live weight was down 29 pounds from last year, at 266 pounds.  Pork production totaled 1.90 billion pounds, down 1 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.22 million head, down 1 percent from May 2012. The average live weight was down 1 pound from the previous year, at 276 pounds.  Lamb and mutton production, at 14.3 million pounds, was up 5 percent from May 2012. Sheep slaughter totaled 204,500 head, 14 percent above last year. The average live weight was 140 pounds, down 11 pounds from May a year ago.  January to May 2013 commercial red meat production was 20.3 billion pounds, up slightly from 2012. Accumulated beef production was up slightly from last year, veal was down 7 percent, pork was down slightly from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up slightly.  May 2012 and 2013 each contained 23 weekdays (including one holiday) and 4 Saturdays.