Livestock Slaughter – June 2016: U.S. Highlights

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.23 billion pounds in June, up 5 percent from the 4.02 billion pounds produced in June 2015.

Beef production, at 2.19 billion pounds, was 10 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.71 million head, up 10 percent from June 2015. The average live weight was up 3 pounds from the previous year, at 1,335 pounds.

Veal production totaled 6.4 million pounds, 8 percent below June a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 37,600 head, up 7 percent from June 2015. The average live weight was down 45 pounds from last year, at 291 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.01 billion pounds, up 1 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.57 million head, up 1 percent from June 2015. The average live weight was down 2 pounds from the previous year, at 280 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 13.2 million pounds, was down 2 percent from June 2015. Sheep slaughter totaled 195,200 head, slightly above last year. The average live weight was 135 pounds, down 3 pounds from June a year ago.

January to June 2016 commercial red meat production was 24.4 billion pounds, up 3 percent from 2015. Accumulated beef production was up 5 percent from last year, veal was down 7 percent, pork was up 1 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up slightly.

For a full copy of the Livestock Slaughter report please visit www.nass.usda.gov.