US red meat production rises, driven by pork

US red meat production increased 2% year-on-year in March, reaching 2.04 million tons, driven by strong performance in the pork sector, which offset lower beef output amid tighter cattle supplies.

According to the USDA, pork production rose 7% to 1.08 million tons, supported by a higher slaughter pace. Hog slaughter reached 11.104 million head, with an average live weight of 132.4 kg (292 lb).

In contrast, beef production fell 3% to 950,730 tons. Although average live weight increased to 667.2 kg (1,471 lb), it was not enough to offset a 4% decline in slaughter, which totaled 2.336 million head.

Despite the rebound in March, cumulative red meat production in the first quarter of 2026 reached 6 million tons, 2% below the same period in 2025. Within that total, pork showed slight growth of 1%, while beef declined 6%.