August beef, pork production below year ago levels

U.S. commercial red meat production declined during August.

The USDA says the total of 4.095 billion pounds was down 1% on the year, with a slower processing pace for hogs and tight ready cattle numbers canceling out higher average live weights.

Beef production was 1.982 billion pounds, a decline of 2%, with a slaughter of 2.242 million head, 4% lower, and an average live weight of 1,441 pounds, 28 pounds heavier.

Pork production was 2.102 billion pounds, a dip of 1%, with a slaughter of 9.92 million head, 2% under last year, and an average live weight of 284 pounds, a gain of 4.

For the year to date, 2026 U.S. red meat production is 2% slower than 2025 at 34.563 billion pounds, with beef 5% below a year ago at 16.368 billion pounds and pork up 1% at 18.099 billion pounds.