Livestock Slaughter-March 2016-US Highlights

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.90 billion pounds in February, up 5 percent from the 3.73 billion pounds produced in February 2015.

Beef production, at 1.89 billion pounds, was 7 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.29 million head, up 5 percent from February 2015. The average live weight was up 17 pounds from the previous year, at 1,372 pounds.

Veal production totaled 6.1 million pounds, 3 percent below February a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 36,500 head, down 1 percent from February 2015. The average live weight was down 6 pounds from last year, at 287 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.00 billion pounds, up 3 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.43 million head, up 4 percent from February 2015. The average live weight was down 2 pounds from the previous year, at 283 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 12.5 million pounds, was up 8 percent from February 2015. Sheep slaughter totaled 175,800 head, 7 percent above last year. The average live weight was 142 pounds, up 1 pound from February a year ago.

For a full copy of the Livestock Slaughter report please visit www.nass.usda.gov. For state specific questions please contact:  Colorado – William R. Meyer    1-800-392-3202