News

USDA reports record beef production during December

USDA reports commercial red meat production during December totaled 4.148 billion pounds, including a new record high for the month in beef production. 2009 red meat production totaled 49.264 billion pounds, down 2% from 2008’s 50.225 billion.

Beef production totaled 2.134 billion pounds, up 2% from December 2008 with a 3% increase in slaughter offsetting a small decline in the average live weight. Year to date beef production was 25.963 billion pounds, down 2% from 2008’s total of 26.561 billion pounds.

Veal production came out at 13.1 million pounds, 2% under a year ago, with slaughter down 2% and the average live weight also 2% below a year ago. Veal production for 2009 totaled 138.3 million pounds, 3% under 2008’s total of 143.1 million pounds.

Pork production was pegged at 1.985 billion pounds, down 3% on the year with a 3% decline in slaughter and the average live weight unchanged from a year ago. 2009 commercial pork production was 22.993 billion pounds, a 2% decrease from 2008’s 23.347 billion pounds.

Lamb and mutton production was reported at 15.9 million pounds, up slightly from a year ago, with slaughter 2% above a year ago and the average live weight increasing 2 pounds. For 2009, lamb and mutton production totaled 170.9 million pounds, 2% less than 2008’s total of 173.8 million pounds.