LIVESTOCK SLAUGHTER – OCTOBER 2017 – UNITED STATES HIGHLIGHTS

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.64 billion pounds in October, up 5 percent from the 4.43 billion pounds produced in October 2016. Beef production, at 2.30 billion pounds, was 4 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.80 million head, up 6 percent from October 2016. The average live weight was down 20 pounds from the previous year, at 1,361 pounds.

Veal production totaled 6.4 million pounds, 3 percent below October a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 44,000 head, down 9 percent from October 2016. The average live weight was up 14 pounds from last year, at 251 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.32 billion pounds, up 5 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 11.0 million head, up 5 percent from October 2016. The average live weight was unchanged from the previous year, at 282 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 11.9 million pounds, was up 2 percent from October 2016. Sheep slaughter totaled 183,900 head, 1 percent above last year. The average live weight was 129 pounds, up 1 pound from October a year ago.

January to October 2017 commercial red meat production was 43.0 billion pounds, up 4 percent from 2016.

Accumulated beef production was up 4 percent from last year, veal was down 1 percent, pork was up 3 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 4 percent.

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