The USDA says commercial U.S. red meat production during April 2022 was 4.546 billion pounds, down 3% from April 2021. That was due to slower slaughter rates for cattle and hogs, which canceled out higher average live weights.
Beef was reported at 2.327 billion pounds, 1% lower than last year, with a slaughter of 2.183 million head, also 1% lower, and an average live weight of 1,373 pounds, a gain of seven pounds.
