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

• Apr ’18 U.S. commercial red meat production increased 5.4% on a YOY basis when normalized for slaughter days, finishing at a record high seasonal level for the month of April. The YOY increase in total red meat production was the 39^th experienced in a row.
• Apr ’18 pork production increased 5.4% YOY when normalized for slaughter days, finishing at a record seasonal high level for the month of April. The YOY increase in pork production was the 23^rd experienced throughout the past 24 months.
• Apr ’18 beef production increased 5.5% YOY when normalized for slaughter days, finishing at a ten year seasonal high for the month of April. The YOY increase in beef production was the 29^th experienced throughout the past 30 months.

Additional Report Details Total Red Meat – Production Remains at a Record High Seasonal Level, Finishes up 5.4% YOY According to USDA, U.S. commercial red meat production increased 0.8% MOM and 5.4% YOY when normalized for slaughter days, finishing at a record seasonal high for the month of April. Total red meat production has increased on a YOY basis over 39 consecutive months through April. ’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 3.6% throughout the first seven months of the production season. Pork – Production Remains at a Record High Seasonal Level, Finishes up 5.4% YOY Apr ’18 U.S. pork production declined 0.7% MOM but remained 5.4% higher YOY when normalized for slaughter days, finishing at a record seasonal high for the month of April. U.S. pork production has increased on a YOY basis over 23 of the past 24 months through April. The Apr ’18 total number of hogs slaughtered increased 4.6% 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 3.9% throughout the first seven months of the production season. Beef – Production Increases to a Ten Year Seasonal High, Finishes up 5.5% YOY Apr ’18 U.S. beef production increased 2.3% MOM and 5.5% YOY when normalized for slaughter days, finishing at a ten year seasonal high for the month of April. U.S. beef production has increased on a YOY basis over 29 of the past 30 months through April. The Apr ’18 total number of cattle slaughtered increased 4.8% YOY while average weights/head finished 0.7% higher. ’16-’17 annual beef production increased 5.6% YOY, finishing at a six year high, while ’17-’18 YTD production is up an additional 3.2% throughout the first seven months of the production season.