According to USDA, U.S. commercial red meat production totaled 4.27 billion pounds in Dec ’15, up 2.5% MOM on a daily average basis from the 4.03 billion pounds produced in Nov ’15 and up 3.3% YOY from the 4.14 billion pounds produced in Dec ’14. YOY gains in total red meat production continue to be driven higher by increases in pork production, although beef production also increased on a YOY basis for the second consecutive month during Dec ’15. ’14-’15 annual U.S. red meat production finished up 0.2% YOY despite a 4.2% YOY decline in beef production. ’15-’16 YTD U.S. red meat production has increased an additional 3.4% YOY throughout the first quarter of the production season. Pork – Production Remains Higher on YOY Basis for 13th Consecutive Month Dec ’15 U.S. pork production of 2.21 billion pounds increased 4.4% YOY and 2.7% MOM on a daily average basis. YOY pork production has finished higher for 13 consecutive months, with total production up 6.8% in total over the period. Dec ’15 total hogs slaughtered increased 5.2% YOY, however average weights/head declined 0.3% YOY. ’14-’15 annual U.S. pork production finished up 5.2% YOY, which was a seven year high on a percentage basis. ’15-’16 YTD U.S. pork production is up an additional 5.9% YOY throughout the first quarter of the production season. Beef – Production Increases YOY for the Second Consecutive Month Dec ’15 U.S. beef production of 2.05 billion pounds increased 2.3% YOY and 2.3% MOM on a daily average basis. Dec ’15 total number of cattle slaughtered increased 0.5% while average weights/head increased 1.8% YOY. Beef production has increased for two consecutive months on a YOY basis after declining for 21 of 22 months from Jan ’14 – Oct ’15. ’14-’15 annual U.S. beef production finished down 4.2% YOY however ’15-’16 YTD U.S. beef production is up 1.4% YOY through the first quarter of the production season.