050713 Red Meat Production at Record High for June

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.96 billion pounds in June, up 1 percent from the 3.93 billion pounds produced in June 2004. Beef production, at 2.23 billion pounds, was slightly above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.94 million head, down 2 percent from June 2004. The average live weight was up 21 pounds from the previous year, at 1,246 pounds.

Veal production totaled 13.2 million pounds, 1 percent below June a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 58,900 head, down 11 percent from June 2004. The average live weight was 31 pounds above last year, at 368 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.71 billion pounds, up 2 percent from the previous year. Hog kill totaled 8.55 million head, 1 percent above June 2004. The average live weight was 4 pounds above the previous year, at 268 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 15.3 million pounds, was down 1 percent from June 2004. Sheep slaughter totaled 222,900 head, 4 percent below last year. The average live weight was 138 pounds, up 4 pounds from June a year ago.

January to June 2005 commercial red meat production was 22.2 billion pounds, down slightly from 2004. Accumulated beef production was down 1 percent from last year, veal was down 9 percent, pork was up 1 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 4 percent.

June 2004 contained 22 weekdays (including no holidays) and 4 Saturdays. June 2005 contained 22 weekdays (including no holidays) and 4 Saturdays.

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