Pork production at record monthly high and veal at record low
Commercial red meat production for the
Beef production, at 2.21 billion pounds, was 12% below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totalled 3.00 million head, down 8% from October 2002. The average live weight was down 39 pounds from the previous year, at 1,231 pounds.
Veal production totalled 16.4 million pounds, 13% below October a year ago and a record monthly low. Calf slaughter totalled 87,500 head, down 13% from October 2002. The average live weight was unchanged last year, at 308 pounds.
Pork production totalled 1.91 billion pounds, a record monthly high and up 4% from the previous year. Hog kill totalled 9.64 million head, 3% above October 2002. The average live weight was 3 pounds above the previous year, at 267 pounds.
Lamb and mutton production, at 18.0 million pounds, was down 9% from October 2002. Sheep slaughter totalled 265,500 head, 12% below last year. The average live weight was 135 pounds, up 3 pounds from October a year ago.
January to October 2003 commercial red meat production was 39.1 billion pounds, down 1% from 2002. Accumulated beef production was down 1% from last year, veal was down 2%, pork was up 1% from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 9%.
October 2002 contained 23 weekdays (including one holiday) and 4 Saturdays.
October 2003 contained 23 weekdays (including one holiday) and 4 Saturdays.
