Domestic commercial red meat production during May was 4.485 billion pounds, 4% more than in May 2021.
The USDA says beef production was 2.288 billion pounds, 3% higher, with a 4% increase in the slaughter rate canceling out a nine-pound decrease for the average live weight.
The dairy cow slaughter was 225,200 head, 12,600 less than in April, but 1,800 more than May 2021. The year-to-date dairy cow slaughter is 1.288 million head, 38,000 slower than last year’s pace.
