Average U.S. animal slaughtering and processing production during the 12 months through September was up 1.9 percent from one year ago.

Average U.S. beef production during the 12 months through May was up 1.5 percent from one year ago and at the highest level in more than seven years.

Average U.S. pork production during the 12 months through February was 3 percent higher than one year ago. U.S. personal consumption expenditures for pork moved generally lower in recent months as deflation in U.S. consumer pork prices hindered dollar-denominated expenditures.

Average U.S. poultry production during the 12 months through October (latest data available) was up 2.7 percent from the prior year.

Slaughtering and processing production has historically had a strong relationship with overall U.S. food production, which has recently transitioned to a slowing growth trend.

Average U.S. beef production during the 12 months through May was up 3.9 percent from the previous year and at its highest level in more than six years.

Average U.S. pork production during the 12 months through February was up 3.5 percent from one year ago.

While all three major protein categories — chicken, beef and pork — have interesting narratives heading toward the traditionally strong summer selling season, none is more compelling than the broiler industry.

U.S. animal slaughtering and processing production is rising. Average production during the 12 months through September was up 4.2 percent compared with the year-ago level