U.S. Red Meat Production Up Slightly in 2024
U.S. red meat production rose 1% in 2024 as heavier animals offset lower slaughter rates in beef and pork sectors.
More Meat, Fewer Slaughters
In 2024, the U.S. produced 55.036 billion pounds of red meat—1% more than the previous year. This increase didn’t come from processing more animals, but from getting more meat per head.
Beef: Less Slaughter, More Weight
Beef production hit 27.049 billion pounds, slightly above 2023’s total. Slaughter numbers were actually down 3%, but the average live weight climbed by 34 pounds. That gain was enough to cancel out the decline in heifers, cows, and bulls, thanks in part to an uptick in steer slaughter.
Pork: Modest Growth with Heavier Hogs
Pork output came in at 27.803 billion pounds, a 2% increase year-over-year. Slaughter was up by 1%, and average hog weight added a pound. Barrow and gilt slaughter rose, while sow and boar numbers dropped.
Big Four States Still Lead
Half of all red meat came from just four states: Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas—America’s core meat-producing powerhouses.
Looking Ahead
These numbers aligned with USDA projections, and the next outlook is set for release on May 12. Whether 2025 follows this same pattern of “fewer but fatter” remains to be seen.
Source: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/news/more-red-meat-produced-in-2024-than-2023/