United States Highlights

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.24 billion pounds in July, up 6 percent from the 3.99

billion pounds produced in July 2017.

Beef production, at 2.23 billion pounds, was 6 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.77 million head,

up 6 percent from July 2017. The average live weight was down 3 pounds from the previous year, at 1,330 pounds.

Veal production totaled 6.1 million pounds, 8 percent above July a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 47,800 head, up 22

percent from July 2017. The average live weight was down 27 pounds from last year, at 223 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.99 billion pounds, up 6 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.60 million head,

up 6 percent from July 2017. The average live weight was unchanged from the previous year, at 277 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 12.1 million pounds, was up 10 percent from July 2017. Sheep slaughter totaled 178,900

head, 7 percent above last year. The average live weight was 135 pounds, up 3 pounds from July a year ago.

January to July 2018 commercial red meat production was 30.5 billion pounds, up 4 percent from 2017. Accumulated

beef production was up 4 percent from last year, veal was up 1 percent, pork was up 4 percent from last year, and lamb and

mutton production was up 6 percent.