US red meat production declines 3%, February 2004
Commercial red meat production for the
Beef production, at 1.80 billion pounds, was 7 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totalled 2.43 million head, down 6 percent from February 2003. The average live weight was down 28 pounds from the previous year, at 1,233 pounds.
Veal production totalled 14.5 million pounds, 9 percent below February a year ago. Calf slaughter totalled 71,500 head, down 14 percent from February 2003. The average live weight was 19 pounds above last year, at 336 pounds.
Pork production totalled 1.57 billion pounds, up 3 percent from the previous year and a new record high for February. Hog kill totalled 7.89 million head, 3 percent above February 2003. The average live weight was 1 pound above the previous year, at 268 pounds.
Lamb and mutton production, at 14.8 million pounds, was down 2 percent from February 2003. Sheep slaughter totalled 213,000 head, 6 percent below last year. The average live weight was 139 pounds, up 6 pounds from February a year ago.
January to February 2004 commercial red meat production was 7.1 billion pounds, down 6 percent from 2003. Accumulated beef production was down 12 percent from last year, veal was down 9 percent, pork was up 2 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 3 percent.
February 2003 contained 20 weekdays (including one holiday) and 4 Saturdays.
February 2004 contained 20 weekdays (including one holiday) and 4 Saturdays.
