U.S. red meat production declined sharply from May 2019 to May 2020 because of lighter processing schedules and plant closures caused by COVID-19.

Beef production was slashed 20% on the year to 1.865 billion pounds with a 23% drop in slaughter to 2.278 canceling out a 51 pound gain in the average live weight at 1,367 pounds.

Pork production was 15% lower at 1.878 billion pounds with a 17% reduction in slaughter to 8.588 million head against a seven pound gain for the average live weight to 294 pounds.

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