Pork Production Increases, Heavier Hog Weights

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.36 billion pounds in December, up 5 percent from the 4.15 billion pounds produced in December 2009.

Pork production totaled 2.06 billion pounds, up 4 percent from the previous year. Hog kill totaled 9.93 million head, up 1 percent from December 2009. The average live weight was up 7 pounds from the previous year, at 277 pounds.

Beef production, at 2.27 billion pounds, was 6 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.92 million head, up 6 percent from December 2009. The average live weight was up 9 pounds from the previous year, at 1,305 pounds.

Veal production totaled 11.7 million pounds, 11 percent below December a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 77,700 head, down 16 percent from December 2009. The average live weight was up 21 pounds from last year, at 261 pounds.

Source: USDA

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