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South Dakota
LIVESTOCK SLAUGHTER


News Release

January 21, 2005

DECEMBER MEAT PRODUCTION UP FROM LAST MONTH

SIOUX FALLS, January 21, 2005 _ Commercial red meat production for South Dakota totaled 98.1 million pounds during December. This was down 1 percent from one year ago but up 6 percent from last month. For December 2004, pork production was down and sheep and lamb production was also below one year ago, according to USDA's South Dakota Agricultural Statistics Service.

Commercial hog slaughter for South Dakota totaled 463,800 head during December 2004 compared to 467,300 head the year before. Average live weight was 262 pounds, which was down 2 pounds from December 2003. Federally inspected slaughter totaled 462,800 head, which was comprised of 4,600 sows, and 458,200 barrows and gilts.

Commercial sheep and lamb slaughter for South Dakota totaled 1,200 head during December 2004 compared to 1,300 head a year earlier. Average live weight was 121 pounds, which was up 1 pound from December 2003. Federally inspected slaughter totaled 1,100 head of lambs and yearlings.

Commercial slaughter data for beef cattle is not published.
        

The complete report can be accessed at www.usda.gov/nass/
or call Carter Anderson or Steve Noyes at
605-323-6500

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