For the first quarter of 2015, the U.S. hog industry has slaughtered a total of 28.5 million head, up 6% from 2014, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service monthly “Livestock Slaughter” report.   

From January through March 2015, red meat production penciled to 11.9 million pounds, up 1% from a year ago.  Pork production for the same time period totaled 6.16 million pounds, up 7% from a year ago whereas U.S. beef production was reported down 3%.

Looking at pork production for the month of March, pork production totaled 2.11 billion pounds, up 14% from March 2014.  Hog slaughter last month also increased 14% at 9.89 million head.  The average live weight was right in line with last year at 285 pounds.