About 384 million kilos of meat were produced in 2010, almost the same amount as in the previous year. Production of beef, poultry and mutton increased, while pork production decreased. These figures are based on the statistics compiled by Tike (Information Centre of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry).
 
Beef production rising slightly
Beef production amounted to 83 million kilos last year, an increase of slightly over one per cent on 2009. This was the second consecutive year of growth in beef production. In the first half of the year, production decreased by four per cent and in the second half grew by six per cent compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. Production growth was mainly attributable to the rise in slaughter weights, as the number of cattle slaughtered was down, with the exception of heifers. The average carcass weight of bulls increased to 346 kilos (+ 9 kg) and that of heifers to 251 kilos (+ 6 kg).

Decline in pork production continues
Pork production declined for the second year running. About 203 million kilos of pork were produced, a year-on-year decrease of slightly more than one per cent and several million kilos. Pork production was down slightly less than eight per cent in the first half of the year, and rose by five per cent in the second. The average carcass weight of fattening pigs increased by almost three kilos to 88 kilos.

Poultry production grows
After slumping in the previous year, poultry production swung back to growth in 2010. Poultry production amounted to just over 96 million kilos, representing year-on-year growth of slightly over one per cent. Turkey production remained almost on a par with the previous year, while broiler production increased by just under two per cent.  

Background to the statistics
Slaughter data is based on surveys conducted among slaughterhouses, the Bovine Register and the Farm Survey. The statistical tables are available on our Matilda agricultural statistics service on the home page of the Slaughterhouse Statistics.

Contact information
Tike, Statistical Services
Actuary Sanna Vuorisalo, tel. +358 20 77 21379
E-mail addresses are in the format: forename.surname@mmmtike.fi