News

December red meat production up on year, including monthly high for pork

Commercial red meat production ended 2025 strong.

The USDA says the December total of 4.8 billion pounds was up 6% on the year, with a 4% rise in beef to 2.298 billion pounds and 8% jump in pork to 2.516 billion pounds, thanks to increased slaughter levels and heavier average weights. Pork production was the largest for any December on record.

The cattle slaughter of 2.58 million head and the average live weight of 1,463 pounds were both 2% higher than the prior year, with the hog slaughter surging 7% to 11.534 million head and the average live weight at 293 pounds, 2 pounds heavier.

Unofficially, that puts 2025 commercial red meat production at 53.737 billion pounds, 2% less than 2024, including a 4% decline in beef and 1% dip for pork.

The official 2025 commercial red meat production totals are out in April.