In October 2024, U.S. commercial red meat production reached 5.024 billion pounds. This was a 5% year-over-year increase. Faster processing rates and heavier live weights drove this growth.

Beef output was 2.465 billion pounds. This was up 5%, with 2.858 million head slaughtered, a 1% rise. The average live weight came in at 1,418 pounds. This was 44 pounds heavier.

Pork production also rose 5% to 2.544 billion pounds. There were 11.914 million head processed. This was a 4% gain. Average weight came in at 287 pounds, up 2%.

Steer and heifer slaughter rates grew while cow and bull processing declined. Barrow and gilt slaughter increased, but sow and boar numbers fell. Dairy cow slaughter in October totaled 235,600 head. This was up from September, but 7,300 fewer than October 2023. Year-to-date dairy cow slaughter stands at 2,290,700. This trails last year by 331,000.

For 2024 so far, red meat production totals 45.428 billion pounds. This is 1% ahead of 2023. The USDA will release updated production forecasts on December 10.

Read more on red meat production here.