August U.S. Red Meat
3% Above A Year Ago

WASHINGTON — (USDA) — Total U.S. red meat supplies in freezers on August 31 were three percent above a year ago at 752.5 million pounds, but down eight percent from July. Pork stocks were up 11 percent from last year at a record August volume of 435.9 million pounds.

August stocks of chicken were up 12 percent from a year ago at 850 million pounds, breaking the previous record high for the month, set at 616 million pounds in 1996.

Total beef supplies in freezers August 31 were five percent less than a year ago at 292.2 million pounds, about the same as in July. Boneless beef was down 11 percent from a year ago at 243.8 million pounds. Beef cuts were up 47 percent at 48.4 million pounds.

Ham stocks were 27 percent above a year ago at 132.7 million pounds. Bellies were up 136 percent at 34.9 million pounds, loins up 12 percent at 17.4 million pounds.

Lamb and mutton in storage was up down 16 percent from a year ago at 12.2 million pounds. Veal supplies were off 10 percent at 4.4 million pounds.