031223 Live Cattle Weights Rise, Hog Weights Steady

According to USDA's Weekly Total Red Meat Production Report for the week ending December 6, live cattle weights rose and hog weights were steady.

The report shows average live cattle weights at 1,241 pounds, up 2 pounds from last week, but 25 pounds lighter than year-ago. Live hog weights at 270 pounds were steady with last week and year-ago.

Dressed cattle weights at 740 pounds were 1 pound lighter than last week and 24 pounds lighter than year-ago. Dressed hog weights at 201 pounds were steady with last week and 1 pound heavier than year- ago.

Total beef production was 13.4% higher than last week, but 10.4% lighter than year-ago as slaughter dropped 7.3% from year-ago. Pork production was 12.6% heavier than last week and 5% above year-ago, as slaughter rose 4.4% from year-ago.

For the year, total beef production is running 2.9% behind year-ago and pork production is 0.9% above year-ago.

Source: AgWeb.com

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