News

March red meat production down 1% on year

Commercial red meat production in the U.S. during March 2023 was 4.91 billion pounds, down 1% from March 2022.

The USDA says beef production fell 4% to 2.405 billion pounds following a 3% decline in the slaughter to 2.938 million head and an 18 pound drop in the average live weight to 1,366 pounds. The dairy cow slaughter was 306,100 head, up 36,900 on the month and 8,900 on the year, with the 2023 total at 870,400 head, 45,800 ahead of a year ago.

Pork production was 4.488 billion pounds, up 1% on the year with a 2% gain  in the slaughter at 11.464 million head canceling out a 1 pound loss for the average live weight to 292 pounds.

For 2023 to date, commercial red meat production is 13.937 billion pounds, slightly behind last year’s pace, including a 3% decrease in beef and a 2% increase in pork.

The USDA’s next set of annual meat production estimates is out May 12th.

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published.


 

Stay Up to Date

Subscribe for our newsletter today and receive relevant news straight to your inbox!