Commercial red-meat production slipped 1 percent to 3.65 billion lbs. in February, the US Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service reported. Red-meat production totaled 3.67 billion lbs. in February 2013.
Production from January to February declined 1 percent to 7.9 billion lbs. compared to a year ago, NASS noted.
Beef production dropped 5 percent to 1.79 billion lbs. in February. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.24 million head, a 5 percent decline from a year ago. The average live weight advanced 10 lbs. to 1,330 lbs., NASS reported.
Pork production totaled 1.84 billion lbs., a 4 percent increase from February 2013. Hog slaughter gained 1 percent to total 8.67 million head. The average live weight was 283 lbs., a 6-lb. increase compared to a year ago, according to NASS.
Veal production fell 9 percent to 8.2 million lbs. Calf slaughter totaled 8.67 million head, up 1 percent from February 2013, NASS reported. The average live weight increased 9 lbs. to 267 lbs.
Lamb and mutton production advanced 1 percent to 11.6 million lbs., according to NASS. Sheep slaughter totaled 168,200 head, a gain of 4 percent above February 2013 figures. The average live weight was 138 lbs., down 4 percent from a year ago.
Accumulated beef production declined 5 percent compared to a year ago, while veal production dropped 10 percent, according to NASS. Pork production gained 2 percent and lamb and mutton production was up slightly.
