Pork Production Sets Record Monthly High for August

US - Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.88 billion pounds in August, down 1 percent from the 3.92 billion pounds produced in August 2003, report the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) in their monthly Livestock Slaughter report.

Pork production totaled 1.70 billion pounds, up 9 percent from the previous year, and was a record monthly high.

Hog kill totaled 8.72 million head, 8 percent above August 2003.

The average live weight was 2 pounds above the previous year, at 262 pounds.

January to August 2004 commercial red meat production was 29.9 billion pounds, down 4 percent from 2003.

Accumulated beef production was down 9 percent from last year, veal was down 10 percent, pork was up 4 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 2 percent.

August 2003 contained 21 weekdays (including no holidays) and 5 Saturdays.
August 2004 contained 22 weekdays (including no holidays) and 4 Saturdays.