Weekly Beef Production and Cattle Slaughter Report

Weekly beef production up 16.6%, Cattle weights up 2 lbs from last week

Weekly beef production for the week ending January 11, 2025, was estimated at 512.1 million pounds, up 16.6% from 439.1 million pounds the previous week and up 12.5% from 455.4 million pounds during the same week last year. Despite this weekly increase, year-to-date beef production stands at 756.0 million pounds, reflecting a significant 17.6% decrease compared to 917.7 million pounds produced by this time last year. This decline suggests ongoing supply constraints in the beef market despite stronger weekly output.

Cattle slaughter for the week was estimated at 589,000 head, a 16.4% increase from the prior week's 506,000 head and up 8.1% from 545,000 head during the same week last year. However, year-to-date cattle slaughter totals 870,000 head, marking a sharp 20.0% drop compared to 1,087,000 head processed during the same period last year. This decrease in slaughter volumes reflects tighter cattle supplies, which continue to support higher beef prices in the market.

Live cattle weights averaged 1,435 pounds, up slightly from 1,433 pounds last week and notably higher than 1,396 pounds during the same week in 2024. Dressed cattle weights also increased to 872 pounds, compared to 870 pounds last week and 838 pounds last year. These higher weights are partially offsetting lower slaughter numbers, helping to sustain beef production levels. However, the combination of reduced slaughter and tighter supplies signals continued strength in cattle prices moving forward.