News

Record red meat, pork production in February

Another month, another all-time monthly high for commercial red meat and pork production. The USDA says red meat production during February totaled 4.172 billion pounds, up 2% on the year and the year-to date total is 3% ahead of 2018’s record pace at 8.874 billion.

Pork was reported at 2.168 billion pounds, a 5% increase, with a 5% rise in the monthly slaughter to 10.104 million head and a 1-pound gain in the average live weight to 287 pounds. At this point in 2019, pork production is 2.451 billion pounds, 4% more than a year ago.

Beef came out at 1.988 billion pounds, slightly higher than the year before, with a 2% larger kill of 2.455 million head cancelling out a 16-pound loss in the average live weight at 1,352 pounds. So far this year, beef production is 4.296 billion pounds, 1% above 2018. The USDA says the dairy cow slaughter for February was nearly 278,900 head, up almost 20,000 on the year as the industry continues to contract in response to lower prices. The year to date total is more than 577,300 head, compared to 550,400 this time last year.

The USDA’s commercial red meat production totals for March are out in late April.

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Your email address will not be published.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!