Annual balance of meat production in the US: Production increases by 2%, but challenges persist in specific segments

Red meat production in the United States increased by 2% in December compared to the previous year, reveals a recent report from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Total volume reached 4.55 billion pounds in the last month of 2023, compared to 4.47 billion pounds in December 2022, the agency reported. The pork segment recorded significant growth of 5%, totaling 2.34 billion pounds, while hog slaughter reached 10.8 million heads, also representing a 5% increase over the previous year. The average weight, however, decreased by 1 pound, reaching 291 pounds. Beef production fell by 2% in December, totaling 2.19 billion pounds, as pointed out by the Department of Agriculture. Slaughter was recorded at 2.59 million head, indicating a 3% year-over-year decline, while average live weight increased by 17 pounds, reaching 1,401 pounds. Veal production, meanwhile, experienced a significant drop of 14%, totaling 3.9 million pounds, and calf slaughter decreased by 32%, ...