Record Red Meat Output in March

WASHINGTON - Apr 21/06 - SNS -- Red meat production set a new monthly record for March, reaching 4.11 billion pounds in the United States last month, up 6% from the 3.88 billion pounds produced last year, reports the USDA.

Beef production, at 2.21 billion pounds, was 8% above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.85 million head, up 5% from March 2005. The average live weight was up 36 pounds from the previous year, at 1,273 pounds.

Veal production totaled 13.3 million pounds, slightly above March a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 59,200 head, down 13% from March 2005. The average live weight was 42 pounds above last year, at 370 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.87 billion pounds, up 4% from the previous year. Hog kill totaled 9.23 million head, 3% above March 2005. The average live weight was 1 pound above the previous year, at 272 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 18.2 million pounds, was down 6% from March 2005. Sheep slaughter totaled 249,700 head, 11% below last year. The average live weight was 145 pounds, up 6 pounds from March a year ago.

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