August 26, 2013
US commercial red meat production up 5% in July 2013
US commercial red meat production hasjumped 5% higher to 4.16 billion pounds in July 2013,a risefrom the 3.95 billion pounds produced a year ago,according to the USDA''s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).
Beef production was 4% higher at 2.29 billion pounds. Cattle slaughter totalled 2.89 million head, an increase of 4% from July 2012, NASS reported. The average live weight increased seven pounds to 1,302 pounds.
Veal production climbed 1% to 9.6 million pounds in July, while calf slaughter totalled 70,000 head, up 4% from a year ago, according to NASS. The average live weight declined seven pounds compared to 2012, at 234 pounds.
Pork production reached 1.84 billion pounds, which was 7% higher compared to a year ago. Hog slaughter advanced 6% to total 9.08 million head; and the average live weight was increased two pounds to 271 pounds, NASS said.
Lamb and mutton production, at 14.1 million pounds, was 13% higher compared to July 2012, according to NASS. Sheep slaughter was 19% higher at 211,600 head. The average live weight was 133 pounds, down seven pounds from July 2012.
January to July 2013 commercial red meatproduction was slightly higher compared to year-ago levels at 28.3 billion pounds. Accumulated beef production also was up slightly from 2012.Veal hasdeclined by6% whilepork increased slightly from last year. Lamb and mutton production gained by 2%, NASS reported.