WASHINGTON — Despite the slumping U.S. economy, commercial red meat production for the U.S. in June totaled 4.16 billion lbs., up 3% from the 4.05 billion lbs. produced in June 2008, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Beef production was 1% above the previous year at 2.29 billion lbs. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.98 million head, up 1% from June 2008. The average live weight was up 8 lbs. from the previous year, at 1,269 lbs.

Veal production was 11.5 million lbs., 2% below June 2008 figures. Calf slaughter totaled 77,200 head, up 2% from June 2008. The average live weight was down 16 lbs., at 251 lbs., compared to June 2008 figures.

Totaling 1.85 billion lbs., pork production was up 5% from June in the previous year. Hog kill totaled 9.18 million head, up 3% from June 2008. The average live weight was up 3 lbs. from the previous year, at 269 lbs.

Lamb and mutton production, at 13.9 million lbs., was up 6% from June 2008. Sheep slaughter amounted to 203,000 head, 6% above last year. Unchanged from June 2008, the average live weight was 137 lbs.

From January to June 2009, commercial red meat production amounted to 24.3 billion lbs., down 3% from 2008. Accumulated beef production was down 3% from last year, veal was down 1%, pork was down 3% from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 5%.