US cattle slaughter down in December
The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has reported that
Beef production and cattle slaughter declined slightly, to 2.11 billion pounds and 2.77 million head respectively. The average live weight increased 9 pounds to 1,265.
Lamb and mutton production fell 3% to 18.5 million pounds while sheep slaughter totalled 278,500 head. The average live weight fell 5 pounds to 133.
The production of pork and hog killings each rose 3% to 1.72 billion pounds and 8.66 million head respectively. The average live weight remained constant with the year before at 268 pounds.
Veal production increased significantly by 15% to 18 million pounds, as did calf slaughter (+16%) to 98,300. The average live weight fell 4 pounds to 305.
Yearly red meat production came in at 47.2 billion pounds, 3% less than in 2001. Accumulated beef production was up 4%, veal by +1% and pork by +3%. Lamb and mutton production fell 3%.
