LIVESTOCK SLAUGHTER – JULY 2016 – UNITED STATES HIGHLIGHTS

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.87 billion pounds in July, down 4 percent from the 4.04 billion pounds produced in July 2015. 

Beef production, at 2.02 billion pounds, was 1 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.48 million head, down 1 percent from July 2015. The average live weight was down 1 pound from the previous year, at 1,345 pounds. 

Veal production totaled 5.6 million pounds, 19 percent below July a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 37,700 head, up 3 percent from July 2015. The average live weight was down 65 pounds from last year, at 257 pounds. 

Pork production totaled 1.82 billion pounds, down 8 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 8.76 million head, down 7 percent from July 2015. The average live weight was down 2 pounds from the previous year, at 278 pounds.  

Lamb and mutton production, at 11.4 million pounds, was down 12 percent from July 2015. Sheep slaughter totaled 170,100 head, 10 percent below last year. The average live weight was 134 pounds, down 4 pounds from July a year ago. 

January to July 2016 commercial red meat production was 28.3 billion pounds, up 2 percent from 2015. Accumulated beef production was up 4 percent from last year, veal was down 9 percent, pork was down slightly from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 1 percent. 

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