WASHINGTON – Pork production in February climbed 3 percent to total 2 billion lbs., the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) of the US Dept. of Agriculture said in its Livestock Slaughter report.
Hog slaughter advanced 4 percent to 9.43 million head compared to a year ago. The average live weight declined 2 lbs. from the previous year at 283 lbs., NASS reported.
Beef production, at 1.89 billion lbs., was 7 percent higher than the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.29 million head, up 5 percent from last year. The average live weight of cattle was 17 lbs. heavier at 1,372 lbs.
Meanwhile, veal production slipped 3 percent to 6.1 million lbs. Calf slaughter edged 1 percent lower to 36,500 head, while the average live weight was down 6 lbs. from a year ago to 287 lbs.
Lamb and mutton production limbed to 12.5 million lbs., or 8 percent, compared to February 2015, NASS reported. Sheep slaughter reached 175,800 head which was 7 percent above a year ago. The average live weight was up 1 lb. to 142 lbs.
Overall, commercial red meat production for February was up 5 percent from the 3.73 billion lbs. produced a year ago. Commercial red meat production from January to February edged 2 percent higher to 8.00 billion lbs. Accumulated beef production was up 3 percent, veal declined 2 percent, pork was up 1 percent and lamb and mutton production climbed 2 percent, NASS said.
In February 2015, there were 20 weekdays, including one holiday, and four Saturdays, while February 2016 had 21 weekdays, including one holiday, and four Saturdays.
