News

Red meat production dropped during May 2020

U.S. red meat production declined sharply from May 2019 to May 2020 because of lighter processing schedules and plant closures caused by COVID-19.

Beef production was slashed 20% on the year to 1.865 billion pounds with a 23% drop in slaughter to 2.278 canceling out a 51 pound gain in the average live weight at 1,367 pounds.

Pork production was 15% lower at 1.878 billion pounds with a 17% reduction in slaughter to 8.588 million head against a seven pound gain for the average live weight to 294 pounds.

Total red meat production for May was 3.761 billion pounds, 18% below a year ago, with the year to date total now 22.030 billion pounds, 2% behind last year’s record pace.