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Ag stats: February 2020 livestock slaughter summary

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Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.45 billion pounds in February, up 7 percent from the 4.17 billion pounds produced in February 2019. 

Beef production, at 2.13 billion pounds, was 7 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.58 million head, up 5 percent from February 2019. The average live weight was up 24 pounds from the previous year, at 1,376 pounds. 

Veal production totaled 5.1 million pounds, 17 percent below February a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 39,700 head, down 18 percent from February 2019. The average live weight was up 5 pounds from last year, at 224 pounds. 

Pork production totaled 2.31 billion pounds, up 6 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 10.7 million head, up 6 percent from February 2019. The average live weight was up 1 pound from the previous year, at 288 pounds. 

Lamb and mutton production, at 10.7 million pounds, was down 4 percent from February 2019. Sheep slaughter totaled 164,200 head, 3 percent below last year. The average live weight was 130 pounds, down 2 pounds from February a year ago. 

January to February 2020 commercial red meat production was 9.41 billion pounds, up 6 percent from 2019. Accumulated beef production was up 5 percent from last year, veal was down 9 percent, pork was up 7 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 5 percent.