ANNUAL CASH RECEIPTS FROM MEAT ANIMALS UP

Columbia, S.C., April 29, 2005: Total cash receipts from marketings of meat animals (cattle and hogs) in SOUTH CAROLINA during 2004 was $197.8 million, up 26 percent from the $157.1 million marketed in 2003. Cattle and calves accounted for 74 percent of this total while hogs and pigs represented 26 percent.

Total production for both species was 282,261,000 pounds, up 4 percent from 2003. The average price per 100 pounds for cattle increased from $67.00 in 2003 to $81.20 in 2004 and calves increased from $93.20 to $113.00. Hogs and pigs average per 100 pounds was up to $49.00 in 2004 from $36.50 in 2003.

Total 2004 cash receipts in the UNITED STATES from marketings of meat animals increased 11 percent to $62.2 billion. Cattle and calves accounted for 76 percent of this total, hogs and pigs 23 percent, and sheep and lambs 1 percent. Production decreased for all cattle and calves and sheep and lambs but increased for hogs and pigs. Average prices were up for all three species.

Cattle and Calves: Cash receipts from marketings of cattle and calves increased from $45.1 billion in 2003 to $47.3 in 2004, a 5 percent increase. All cattle and calf marketings totaled 53.8 billion pounds in 2004, down 5 percent from 2003. The U.S. annual average price per 100 pounds live weight for cattle was $85.90, an increase of $6.20 from 2003. For calves, the annual average price increased $17.00 to $119.00.

Hogs and Pigs: Cash receipts from hogs and pigs totaled $14.3 billion during 2004, up 35 percent from 2003. Marketings totaled 27.8 billion pounds in 2004, up 2 percent from 2003. The U.S. annual average price per 100 pounds live weight increased from $37.20 in 2003 to $49.30 in 2004.

For additional information call: Robert G. Graham, State Director

                                                     Steve Pavlasek, Deputy Director