News

April red meat production down modestly on year

U.S. commercial red meat production saw a year-to-year dip during April.

The USDA says 4.601 billion pounds of red meat were produced in April 2025, down 1% from April 2024, with a 3% decline for beef to 2.242 billion pounds against a 1% rise in pork to 2.343 billion pounds.

That decrease in beef was due to a slower slaughter pace, falling 6% to 2.572 million head, while the increase in pork was thanks to slightly higher slaughter levels and a modest gain in the average live weight, at 10.806 million head, 1% more than a year ago, and 291 pounds, 1 heaver, respectively. The average live weight for cattle did grow 36 pounds to 1,431.

That slower slaughter for cattle was across all types, while a faster barrow and gilt processing pace canceled out lower rates for sows and boars.

For the year to date,commercial red meat production is 1% behind last year at 18.141 billion pounds, with the USDA’s updated annual projection out June 12^th.