Farm/Ranch
Red meat & beef production at record highs for June
By USDA
Aug 2, 2006

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.12 billion pounds in June, up 4 percent from the 3.96 billion pounds produced in June 2005. 

Beef production, at 2.43 billion pounds, was 9 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 3.16 million head, up 8 percent from June 2005. The average live weight was up 14 pounds from the previous year, at 1,259 pounds. 

Veal production totaled 13.0 million pounds, 1 percent below June a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 58,700 head, down slightly from June 2005. The average live weight was 4 pounds below last year, at 365 pounds. 

Pork production totaled 1.66 billion pounds, down 3 percent from the previous year. Hog kill totaled 8.34 million head, 2 percentbelow June 2005. The average live weight was unchanged from the previous year, at 268 pounds. 

Lamb and mutton production, at 14.6 million pounds, was down 5 percent from June 2005. Sheep slaughter totaled 211,800 head, 4 percent below last year. The average live weight was 137 pounds, down 1 pound from June a year ago. 

January to June 2006 commercial red meat production was 23.3 billion pounds, up 5 percent from 2005. Accumulated beef production was up 7 percent from last year, veal was down 4 percent, pork was up 2 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up 2 percent.  

June 2005 contained 22 weekdays (including no holidays) and 4 Saturdays.

June 2006 contained 22 weekdays (including no holidays) and 4 Saturdays.