Livestock Slaughter: Record Commercial Red Meat Production

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.28 billion pounds in March, up 3 percent from the 4.14 billion pounds produced in March 2009.

Beef production, at 2.21 billion pounds, was 3 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.91 million head, up 7 percent from March 2009. The average live weight was down 32 pounds from the previous year, at 1,273 pounds.

Veal production totaled 12.2 million pounds, slightly below March a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 79,800 head, up slightly from March 2009. The average live weight was down 4 pounds from last year, at 259 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.04 billion pounds, up 4 percent from the previous year. Hog kill totaled 10.03 million head, up 4 percent from March 2009. The average live weight was unchanged from the previous year, at 272 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 17.6 million pounds, was up 11 percent from March 2009. Sheep slaughter totaled 262,300 head, 18 percent above last year. The average live weight was 135 pounds, down 8 pounds from March a year ago.

January to March 2010 commercial red meat production was 11.9 billion pounds, down 2 percent from 2009. Accumulated beef production was up slightly from last year, veal was down 2 percent, pork was down 4 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up 2 percent.

Source: NASS/USDA

1. Vilsack: Taking time to remember the fallen
2. Ag markets diverge just before the long holiday weekend
3. Study suggests dairy herd water quality linked to milk production
4. Wis. lawmakers question challenges to large wells
5. Traders evening up positions ahead of the weekend Friday
6. Bio-Vet and Keller break ground on new facility

1. Commentary: Milk faces branding dilemma
2. 4 rules for growing a business or industry
3. Salma Hayek: Milk part of 'perfect' breakfast
4. Chocolate milk a top post-workout food
5. Seven jobs more dangerous than farming
6. What do dairy exports mean for Minnesota?

1. Seven jobs more dangerous than farming
2. White House urges Senate to cut crop insurance in farm bill
3. Class III futures close out quietly last week
4. 4 rules for growing a business or industry
5. Drop in U.S. underground water levels has accelerated
6. Ongoing wave of Calif. metal theft prompts further legislation