Commercial red meat production climbs slightly in December 2003
Commercial red meat production for the
Beef production, at 1.97 billion pounds, was 6% below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totalled 2.67 million head, down 4% from December 2002. The average live weight was down 21 pounds from the previous year, at 1,244 pounds.
Veal production totalled 19.0 million pounds, 6% above December a year ago. Calf slaughter totalled 97,500 head, down 1% from December 2002. The average live weight was 17 pounds above last year, at 322 pounds.
Pork production totalled 1.87 billion pounds, up 9% from the previous year. Hog kill totalled 9.35 million head, 8 percent above December 2002. The average live weight was 1 pound above the previous year, at 269 pounds.
Lamb and mutton production, at 18.0 million pounds, was down 3% from December 2002. Sheep slaughter totalled 262,000 head, 6% below last year. The average live weight was 137 pounds, up 4 pounds from December a year ago.
January to December 2003 commercial red meat production was 46.5 billion pounds, down 1% from 2002. Accumulated beef production was down 3% from last year, veal was down 2 percent, pork was up 1% from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 9%.
December 2002 contained 22 weekdays (including one holiday) and 4 Saturdays.
December 2003 contained 23 weekdays (including one holiday) and 4 Saturdays.
