May red meat, poultry production down on the year

Red meat and poultry production during May were down from the previous year, according to USDA, as economic concerns continue to take their toll on demand and packers cut back slaughter rates.

Total red meat production was down 7% from a year ago at 3.919 billion pounds, bringing the year to date total to 20.140 billion bushels, 4% less than the January to May 2008 total.

Beef production was reported at 2.180 billion pounds, an 8% decrease from May 2008. So far this year, beef production is 10.561 billion pounds, down 4% from a year ago. Cattle slaughter for May was 2.850 million head, 4% below a year ago, with the year to date total now 13.598 million head, 5% less than last year at this time. The average live weight of 1,264 pounds was up 1% or 13 pounds from May 2008. The year to date average of 1,292 pounds is 20 heavier than the January to May 2008 average.

Pork production was 5% below a year ago at 1.716 billion pounds. The cumulative January to May 2009 total is 9.452 billion pounds, 4% less than the January to May 2009 total. May’s hog slaughter was 8.451 million head, 7% lower than a year ago and the year to date total is 5% behind last year’s pace at 46.370 million head. The average live weight of 271 pounds was 3 larger than the May 2008 average. So far this year, the average weight is 272 pounds, up 2 from a year ago.

Lamb and mutton production totaled 13.0 million pounds, a decrease of 13% from May 2008. The year to date total of 70.4 million pounds is down 7% from January to May 2008. The sheep and lamb slaughter was reported at 184,700 head, 11% less than last year with the year to date total at 1.005 million head, which is 3% below a year ago. The average live weight of 141 pounds was down 5 from May 2008. The year to date average is 140 pounds, 1 lighter than the January to May 2008 average.

May poultry production was down 9% from a year ago at 3.390 billion pounds, with the year to date total now at 17.020 billion, 7% less than January to May 2008. The total live weight of all poultry came out at 4.514 billion pounds, 10% lower than a year ago, bringing the year to date total to 22.733 billion pounds, a decrease of 8% on the year.

The total number of chickens slaughtered in May was reported at 704.514 million head, down 9% from last year, with the year to date total of 3.551 billion 7% below a year ago. The average live weight for chicken was pegged at 5.59 pounds per bird, down slightly from a year ago and the year to date average is unchanged at 5.57 pounds.

The turkey slaughter came out at 19.564 million head, compared to 22.475 million in May 2008. The year to date total is 10% behind 2008 at 98.278 million head. The average live weight for turkeys was 28.81 pounds, down around two tenths of a pound from last year. The year to date average is 29.54 pounds, compared to 29.58 for January to May 2008.

Ante-mortem condemnations were reported at 10.816 million pounds or .24% of the total live weight. Post-mortem condemnations totaled 35.429 million pounds or 1.03% of the inspected quantity.