Climbing cattle weights boost beef production
According to the USDA (week ending August 31), cattle weights keep on climbing.
The report shows average live cattle weights at 1,262 pounds- up three pounds from the previous week and 27 pounds more than the previous year.
Dressed cattle weights, at 776 pounds, were two pounds heavier than last week and 18 pounds heavier than a year ago.
Total beef production was 1.5% stronger than last week, but 1.1% lower than a year ago as slaughter declined 0.7%.
Total red meat production under Federal inspection for the week ending Saturday August 31 2002 was estimated at 945.1 million pounds. This was 0.4 % higher than a week ago and 3.8 % higher than a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was 3.6 % higher compared to the previous year.
For the latest USDA slaughter figures, see Leatherbiz.com market intelligence.
