LIVESTOCK SLAUGHTER – FEBRUARY 2017 – US HIGHLIGHTS

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.94 billion pounds in February, up 1 percent from the 3.90 billion pounds produced in February 2016.

Beef production, at 1.93 billion pounds, was 3 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.37 million head, up 3 percent from February 2016. The average live weight was down 12 pounds from the previous year, at 1,360 pounds.

Veal production totaled 5.6 million pounds, 8 percent below February a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 40,200 head, up 10 percent from February 2016. The average live weight was down 46 pounds from last year, at 241 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.99 billion pounds, down 1 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.37 million head, down 1 percent from February 2016. The average live weight was up 1 pound from the previous year, at 284 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 11.2 million pounds, was down 11 percent from February 2016. Sheep slaughter totaled 159,400 head, 9 percent below last year. The average live weight was 140 pounds, down 2 pounds from February a year ago.

January to February 2017 commercial red meat production was 8.2 billion pounds, up 3 percent from 2016. Accumulated beef production was up 6 percent from last year, veal was down 7 percent, pork was up 1 percent 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.