Market News

June red meat production down 1% on year

U.S. red meat production during June 2014 was 3.824 billion pounds, down 1% from the June 2013 total of 3.855 billion pounds.

According to USDA, beef production was 2.069 billion pounds, 4% less than last year, with a 5% decline in slaughter to 2.606 million head and seven pound gain in average live weight at 1,307 pounds. Veal was pegged at 7.6 million pounds, 10% lower than a year ago, with the kill dropping 21% to 45,300 head and average live weight jumping 35 pounds to 285 pounds.

Pork production came out at 1.734 billion pounds, up 3% on the year, with a 1% decrease in slaughter, to 8.1 million head, canceled out by an eleven pound increase in average live weight, to 285 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production was reported at 13.4 million pounds, 5% higher than last year, with the kill rising 5% to 193,300 head and average live weight losing a pound to 138 pounds.

For January to June 2014, U.S. red meat production is 23.471 billion pounds, 3% lower than a year ago.