USA – Red meat production in the United States has seen a slight decline, with the USDA reporting a 2% drop compared to last year.
This decrease is driven by a 3% reduction in beef output and a minor decline in pork production.
Slower processing rates for both cattle and hogs have outweighed the benefits of heavier average live weights.
In August, beef production totaled 2.289 billion pounds, resulting from the slaughter of 2.702 million cattle—down 7% from the same period last year.
The average live weight of cattle rose to 1,388 pounds, a 37-pound increase.
Meanwhile, pork production reached 2.29 billion pounds, with a 2% drop in slaughter to 10.904 million head.
However, the average live weight for hogs increased by 4 pounds, reaching 282 pounds.
Dairy cow slaughter in August 2024 stood at 231,300 head, an increase of 5,400 from the previous month, but 43,900 fewer than in August 2023.
Year-to-date figures show a total of 3.762 million dairy cows slaughtered, which is 652,700 fewer than a year ago.
So far in 2024, overall red meat production is up by 1%, totaling 36.368 billion pounds.
Pork production has risen by 2%, amounting to 18.35 billion pounds, but beef production has fallen by 1% to 17.901 billion pounds.
This decrease in red meat production comes shortly after a significant rise in beef prices was reported in July.
According to the USDA’s Economic Research Service, the national average price for fresh beef hit an all-time high of US$8.15 per pound, marking the first time fresh beef prices have exceeded US$8.
Consumers across the country have expressed growing concerns over the skyrocketing prices, as they question the root causes of the sharp increase.
Industry experts point to a combination of factors, including persistent drought conditions, inflation, and a shrinking cattle herd.
The ongoing drought, which began in 2020 due to the La Niña weather pattern, has severely impacted pastures across the U.S. for the last three years.
This, coupled with rising inflation, led to record-high feed grain costs, further straining ranchers and farmers struggling to maintain their herds amid deteriorating pasture conditions.
Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE
