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Red meat production drops 9%

 

USDA reports commercial red meat production during November 2014 was 3.759 billion pounds, down 9% from the November 2013 total.

Beef was pegged at 1.851 billion pounds, a 10% drop, with the slaughter dropping 12% at 2.248 million head and average live weight gaining 24 pounds to 1,363 pounds.

Pork came out at 1.891 billion pounds, 7% less than last year, with the kill declining 9% to 8.812 million head and average live weight up three pounds at 286 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production was 11.5 million pounds, 3% below a year ago, with the slaughter down 6% to 173,600 head and average live weight up five pounds to 133 pounds.

So far this year, U.S. red meat production is 43.210 billion pounds, 4% less than a year ago.