News

June red meat production a new record

The USDA says domestic red meat production during June was a new all-time high for the month at 4.226 billion pounds. That’s a 5% increase from June 2015.

Beef production and slaughter were both up 10% on the year, at 2.193 billion pounds and 2.706 million head, respectively, with a 3 pound rise in the average live weight to 1,335 pounds.

Pork production and slaughter were both 1% higher, at 2.013 billion pounds and 9.566 million head, with a 2 pound decline in the average live weight to 280 pounds.

So far this year, U.S. red meat production is 24.427 billion pounds, 3% ahead of 2015. Cumulative beef production is 5% higher, with pork up 1%.