News

May pork production notches new monthly record

The USDA says total red meat and pork production during May were new all-time highs for the month. Beef production was also up on the year. The cattle and hog slaughter paces were faster than a year ago, cancelling out the lower average live weights.

Pork was reported at 2.096 billion pounds, 8% above a year ago, with the slaughter up 8% at 9.951 million head, and the average live weight down a pound at 282.

Beef came out at 2.162 billion pounds, 6% more than last year, with a 9% rise in the kill to 2.753 billion pounds, and a 26 pound drop in the average live weight at 1,307 pounds.

Total red meat production was 4.276 billion pounds, up 7% from May 2016. This year’s red meat production is 4% ahead of last year, including a 5% year to year increase for beef and a 3% rise in pork.