April 2004 yields record US pork production figures
Beef production fell 9% to 1.96 billion pounds while cattle slaughter decreased 9% to 2.70 million head. The average live weight decreased 9 pounds to 1,200.
Veal production decreased 13% to 13.9 million pounds and calf slaughter totalled 70,700 head, down 11% compared with April 2003. The average live weight was 7 pounds below last year, at 329 pounds.
Pork production increased 4% to a record 1.73 billion pounds. Hog kill totalled 8.65 million head - a4% compared with April 2004. The average live weight was unchanged at 268 pounds.
Lamb and mutton production, at 17.4 million pounds, was down 11%. Sheep slaughter declined 14% to 256,000 head while the average live weight was 136 pounds, up 5 pounds compared with April 2003.
During January-April 2004 commercial red meat production fell 2% to 14.8 billion pounds. Accumulated beef production was down 8%, veal production fell 12%, pork production increased 5% and lamb and mutton production was up 2%.
April 2003 contained 22 weekdays (including no holidays) and 4 Saturdays.
April 2004 contained 22 weekdays (including no holidays) and 4 Saturdays.
