LIVESTOCK SLAUGHTER – AUGUST 2017 UNITED STATES HIGHLIGHTS

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.63 billion pounds in August, up 4 percent from the 4.43 billion pounds produced in August 2016.  Beef production, at 2.40 billion pounds, was 6 percent abov Beef production, at 2.40 billion pounds, was 6 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.94 million head, up 7 percent from August 2016. The average live weight was down 7 pounds from the previous year, at 1,345 pounds.  Veal production totaled 6.4 million pounds, 5 percent above August a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 46,200 head, up 13 percent from August 2016. The average live weight was down 17 pounds from last year, at 238 pounds. e the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.94 million head, up 7 percent from August 2016. The average live weight was down 7 pounds from the previous year, at 1,345 pounds.  Veal production totaled 6.4 million pounds, 5 percent above August a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 46,200 head, up 13 percent from August Hog slaughter totaled 10.7 million head, up 3 percent from August 2016. 2016. The average live weight was down 17 pounds from last year, at 238 pounds. Pork production totaled 2.21 billion pounds, up 3 percent from the previous year. The average live weight was up 2 pounds from the previous year, at 278 pounds.  Lamb and mutton production, at 12.8 million pounds, was up 2 percent from August 2016. Sheep slaughter totaled 194,100 head, slightly above last year. The average live weight was 132 pounds, up 2 pounds from August a year ago. January to August 2017 commercial red meat production was 34.0 billion pounds, up 4 percent from 2016. Accumulated beef production was up 5 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.