Red Meat Production Falls Behind Last Year

WASHINGTON - Apr 20/07 - SNS -- Commercial red meat for the United States came in at 4.01 billion pounds in March, down 2% from the 4.11 billion pounds produced in March 2006, according to this USDA update on the sector.

Beef production, at 2.12 billion pounds, was 4% below last year. Cattle slaughter totalled 2.79 million head, down 2% from March 2006. The average live weight was down 10 pounds from the previous year, at 1,259 pounds.

Veal production totalled 13.5 million pounds, 7% above March a year ago. Calf slaughter totalled 70,800 head, up 20% from March 2006. The average live weight was down 38 pounds from last year, at 321 pounds.

Pork production totalled 1.86 billion pounds, down 1% from the previous year. Hog kill totalled 9.20 million head, down somewhat from March 2006. The average live weight was down 1 pound from the previous year, at 270 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 19.6 million pounds, was up 7% from March 2006. Sheep slaughter totalled 278,600 head, 12% above last year. The average live weight was 140 pounds, down 5 pounds from March a year ago.

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