US commercial red meat production up 6%, March 2004
Beef production, at 2.11 billion pounds, was 3% above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totalled 2.87 million head, up 4% from March 2003. The average live weight was down 17 pounds from the previous year, at 1,217 pounds.
Veal production totalled 14.2 million pounds, 14% below March a year ago. Calf slaughter totalled 76,900 head, down 10% from March 2003. The average live weight was 15 pounds below last year, at 308 pounds.
Pork production totalled 1.80 billion pounds, up 11% from the previous year, and set a record monthly high. Hog kill totalled 9.04 million head, 11% above March 2003. The average live weight was unchanged the previous year, at 268 pounds.
Lamb and mutton production, at 22.1 million pounds, was up 22% from March 2003. Sheep slaughter totalled 306,800 head, 17% above last year. The average live weight was 144 pounds, up 6 pounds from March a year ago.
January to March 2004 commercial red meat production was 11.1 billion pounds, down 2% from 2003. Accumulated beef production was down 7% from last year, veal was down
11%, pork was up 5% from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up 6%.
March 2003 contained 21 weekdays (including no holidays) and 5 Saturdays.
March 2004 contained 23 weekdays (including no holidays) and 4 Saturdays.
