Modest Dip in U.S. Red Meat Output

WASHINGTON - May 19/06 - SNS -- Commercial red meat production dipped in the United States in April from 3.62 billion pounds last year to 3.61 billion pounds, according to the USDA.

January to April 2006 commercial red meat production was 15.1 billion pounds, up 4% from 2005. Accumulated beef production was up 6% from last year, veal was down 6%, pork was up 1% from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up 2%.

Beef production, at 1.97 billion pounds, was 5% above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.61 million head, up 2% from April 2005. The average live weight was up 28 pounds from the previous year, at 1,246 pounds.

Veal production totaled 10.9 million pounds, 16% below April a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 47,500 head, down 23% from April 2005. The average live weight was 26 pounds above last year, at 379 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.61 billion pounds, down 5% from the previous year. Hog kill totaled 7.96 million head, 6% below April 2005. The average live weight was 1 pound above the previous year, at 272 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 17.0 million pounds, was up 9% from April 2005. Sheep slaughter totaled 248,500 head, 13% above last year. The average live weight was 136 pounds, down 5 pounds from April a year ago.

Subscribers can read the full text of the article by Clicking here