USDA Reports Slump in Red Meat

By Scout Nelson

meat production for February stands at 4.23 billion pounds, showing a seven percent drop from the 4.55 billion pounds produced in February of the previous year. This decline reflects a variety of factors, including fluctuating livestock numbers and differences in the number of processing days between crop years.

February 2024 contained 21 weekdays (including one holiday) and four Saturdays, whereas February 2025 featured 20 weekdays (including one holiday) and four Saturdays. Despite the difference in operational days, overall production still indicates a year-over-year decrease.

Beef production totals 2.02 billion pounds, which is seven percent lower than the figure from the previous year. Cattle slaughter is down 11 percent, reaching 2.32 million head, although the average live weight increases by 48 pounds to 1,432 pounds. Veal production, registering 2.0 million pounds, marks a 43 percent drop from the same period last year. Correspondingly, calf slaughter stands at 11,200 head, decreasing 43 percent, while average live weight slightly rises by two pounds to 314 pounds.

Pork production is also affected, amounting to 2.20 billion pounds, down seven percent from a year ago. Hog slaughter declines by seven percent to 10.2 million head, while the average live weight experiences a modest increase by one pound to 291 pounds. Meanwhile, lamb and mutton production reaches 10.5 million pounds, a three percent dip from last year.

Sheep slaughter figures amount to 169,000 head, which is two percent below the previous year, and the average live weight drops by one pound to 123 pounds.

From January through February 2025, total commercial red meat production sums up to 9.12 billion pounds, indicating a two percent decrease from the prior year. Within this two-month span, accumulated beef production shows a one percent decrease, veal registers a 40 percent drop, pork production is down three percent, and lamb and mutton experience a slight dip.

These findings suggest a continued evolution in livestock management and market dynamics, providing important insights for those monitoring the nation’s meat supply and overall agricultural patterns.

Photo Credits:usda