Fatter Cattle Boost U.S. Meat Output as Slaughter Rates Sag
This article is for subscribers only.
Heavier animals helped shore up U.S. production of beef, chicken and turkey last quarter even as the coronavirus slowed processing at meat-packing plants.
During the third quarter, weights of cattle, chicken and turkeys rose while slaughter rates fell, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture report Tuesday. Beef production showed the most marked contrast, climbing 2.7% from a year ago as weights rose 2.8% and slaughter slipped 0.1%.