News

March pork production hits a new record

USDA reports that pork production during March was a record 1.969 billion pounds. That's up 8% from February and fractionally larger than March 2008 with slightly higher hog weights and more available work days offsetting a modest decline in slaughter. Year to date production is5.811 billion pounds, 4% less than the January to March 2008 total.

Total red meat production for March was up 1% on the year at 4.142 billion pounds, bringing the year to date total to 12.137 billion pounds, 3% less than a year ago at this time.

Beef production 2% above a year ago at 2.145 billion pounds thanks to an increased slaughter and heavier live weights. The year to date beef production total is 6.248 billion pounds, 2% below the 6.372 billion produced during January to March 2008.

Veal production was peggedat 12.2 million pounds, an increase of 8% from March 2008; the slaughter was up 12% on the year but the average live weight was down 4% or 10 pounds. Year to date veal production is 35.2 million pounds, compared to 33.6 million this time last year.

Lamb and mutton productionwas down fractionally from last year at 15.9 million pounds as a smaller slaughter offset larger average live weights. The year to date production total is 42.0 million pounds, 3% below a year ago.