July 2013 Articles

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Slaughter Weights Above Year Ago, but U.S. Beef Production Lower

Slaughter Weights Above Year Ago, but U.S. Beef Production Lower
Ross Pruitt, Department of Agric ultural Economic s and Agribusiness LSU AgCenter
For much of the year, cattle dressed weights have been higher than a year ago. The increased dressed weights can partially be attributed to the impact of fewer cows being slaughtered and at a heavier live weight than last year which results in more meat per animal. Through mid-October, dressed weights are about 12 pounds greater for mature cows and 9 pounds for mature bulls. Dressed weights for mature cows and bulls in 2012 are only slightly higher than 2010.
Steer dressed weights have averaged approximately 17 pounds higher than a year ago and 24 pounds greater than 2010. In recent weeks, dressed steer weights have been approximately 880 pounds compared to approximately 860 pounds a year ago. Favorable weather conditions in feedlot regions have contributed to the increased dressed weights in recent weeks as well as the use of beta-agonists. Estimated placement weights for cattle placed into feedlots have been slightly higher than a year ago also contributing slightly to higher dressed weights.
Like most aspects of livestock production, seasonality is present in impacting dressed weights. Dressed weights (steer and/or cattle) are seasonally the lowest in late April and early May and increase until late October or early November when they reach their seasonal peak. If carcass weights have not hit their seasonal peak yet, they are certainly near it with estimated weights for the past two weeks exhibiting flatness to a decline. These initial estimates may be revised due to the impact of Hurricane Sandy on the
northeastern U.S. and the disruptions the storm caused.
Even though carcass weights have been much higher than a year ago, beef production is still lower for the year. Through mid-October, beef production is 1.9% lower than a year ago. Only the months of May and July have exhibited increases in year over year increases in beef production. Federally Inspected cattle slaughter is 4% lower than a year ago through the end of September with steer slaughter 3% lower.