LIVESTOCK SLAUGHTER – JANUARY 2017 UNITED STATES HIGHLIGHTS

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.29 billion pounds in January, up 6 percent from the 4.06 billion pounds produced in January 2016. Beef production, at 2.12 billion pounds, was 8 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.58 million head, up 9 percent from January 2016. The average live weight was down 11 pounds from the previous year, at 1,370 pounds. Veal production totaled 6.3 million pounds, 5 percent below January a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 46,600 head, 12 percent above January 2016. The average live weight was down 39 pounds from last year, at 235 pounds. Pork production totaled 2.15 billion pounds, 3 percent above the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 10.1 million head, 4 percent above January 2016. The average live weight was down 1 pound from the previous year, at 284 pounds. Lamb and mutton production, at 12.3 million pounds, was 9 percent above January 2016. Sheep slaughter totaled 177,000 head, 10 percent above last year. The average live weight was 138 pounds, down 1 pound from January a year ago.