According to USDA, U.S. commercial red meat production totaled 4.31 billion pounds in Oct ’15, up 0.8% MOM on a daily average basis from the 4.14 billion pounds produced in Sep ’15 but down 0.1% YOY from the 4.32 billion pounds produced in Oct ’14. Pork production remained higher on a YOY basis but gains were more than offset by YOY declines in beef production. ’14-’15 annual U.S. red meat production finished up 0.2% YOY despite a 4.2% YOY decline in beef production. Pork – Production Remains Higher on YOY Basis for 11th Consecutive Month Oct ’15 U.S. pork production of 2.17 billion pounds finished up 2.0% YOY and 3.1% MOM on a daily average basis. YOY pork production has finished higher for 11 consecutive months, with total production up 6.8% in total over the period. Oct ’15 total hogs slaughtered increased 3.0% YOY, however average weights/head declined 1.0% YOY. ’14-’15 annual U.S. pork production finished up 5.2% YOY, which was a seven year high on a percentage basis. Beef – Production Declines YOY for 21st Time in the Past 22 Months Oct ’15 U.S. beef production of 2.13 billion pounds declined 2.1% YOY and 1.4% MOM on a daily average basis. Oct ’15 average weights/head increased 2.6% YOY, however total cattle slaughtered declined by 4.8% YOY. Beef production has declined YOY over 21 of the past 22 months through October, with total production down 4.7% over the period. ’14-’15 annual U.S. beef production finished down 4.2% YOY with the decline being on top of a 4.7% annual decrease in production experienced during the ’13-’14 production season.