Executive Summary U.S. livestock slaughter figures provided by USDA were recently updated with values spanning through Mar ’18. Highlights from the updated report include:

• Mar ’18 U.S. commercial red meat production increased 1.7% on a YOY basis when normalized for slaughter days, finishing at a record high seasonal level for the month of March. The YOY increase in total red meat production was the 38^th experienced in a row.
• Mar ’18 pork production increased 3.4% YOY when normalized for slaughter days, finishing at a record seasonal high level for the month of March. The YOY increase in pork production was the 22^nd experienced throughout the past 23 months.
• Mar ’18 beef production declined 0.1% YOY when normalized for slaughter days, finishing lower for the first time in the past 29 months. U.S. beef production remained 6.0% above three year average seasonal figures for the month of March, however.

Additional Report Details Total Red Meat – Production Remains at a Record High Seasonal Level, Finishes up 1.7% YOY According to USDA, U.S. commercial red meat production finished flat seasonally, remaining at eight month low levels, but increased 1.7% YOY when normalized for slaughter days, finishing at a record seasonal high for the month of March. Total red meat production has increased on a YOY basis over 38 consecutive months through March however the growth rate was the second lowest experienced throughout the past 23 months. ’16-’17 annual red meat production increased 4.2% YOY, finishing at a record high level, while ’17-’18 YTD production is up an additional 3.3% throughout the first half of the production season. Pork – Production Remains at a Record High Seasonal Level, Finishes up 3.4% YOY Mar ’18 U.S. pork production increased 0.2% MOM and 3.4% YOY when normalized for slaughter days, finishing at a record seasonal high for the month of March. U.S. pork production has increased on a YOY basis over 22 of the past 23 months through March. Mar ’18 total hogs slaughtered increased 2.5% YOY while average weights/head finished 0.7% higher. ’16-’17 annual pork production increased 2.9% YOY, finishing at a record high level, while ’17-’18 YTD production is up an additional 3.7% throughout the first half of the production season. Beef – Production Declines YOY for the First Time in the Past 29 Months, Finishes Down 0.1% Mar ’18 U.S. beef production declined 0.2% MOM and 0.1% YOY when normalized for slaughter days, finishing lower on a YOY basis for the first time in the past 29 months. Beef production remained 6.0% above three year average seasonal figures for the month of March, however. The Mar ’18 total number of cattle slaughtered declined 0.4% YOY, more than offsetting higher average weights/head. ’16-’17 annual beef production increased 5.6% YOY, finishing at a six year high, while ’17-’18 YTD production is up an additional 2.9% throughout the first half of the production season, despite the most recently experienced decline.