News

Commercial red meat production up slightly in March

Commercial red meat production during March was modestly larger than last year.

The USDA says commercial red meat production last month was 4.422 billion pounds, up 1% on the year, with a 2% increase for beef to 2.153 billion pounds and a slight rise for pork to 2.254 billion pounds, both thanks to heavier average live weights.

The cattle slaughter of 2.483 million head was down 1%, while the average live weight was 1,426 pounds, a gain of 34. The hog slaughter of 10.414 million head was fractionally lower, with an average live weight of 291 pounds, 2 heavier.

For cattle, steer and heifer slaughter numbers were above a year ago, while the cow and bull slaughter totals were lower, and for hogs, barrow and gilt and sow slaughter levels dipped as boars held steady.

For 2025 to date, commercial red meat production is 13.54 billion pounds, 1% behind the 2024 pace.

The USDA’s updated annual red meat production projections are out May 12^th.