USDA: February red meat production down 2% on year

Commercial red meat production in the U.S. during February 2026 was 4.145 billion pounds.

The USDA says that was 2% less than last year because a decline in cattle and hog slaughter rates, partially due to tight numbers and some weather issues during the month, which canceled out heavier average weights.

Beef production was 1.933 billion pounds, falling 4% on the year, with a slaughter of 2.17 million head, a decrease of 7%, and an average live weight of 1,466 pounds, 34 heavier. Pork production was 2.199 billion pounds, a slight dip, with a slaughter of 10.088 million head, down 1%, and an average live weight of 292 pounds, up 1.

For the year to date, U.S. commercial red production is 8.725 billion pounds, 4% slower than last year, with beef production down 8% and pork 1% lower.