WASHINGTON – Pork production reached a record 1.95 billion lbs. in May, an increase of 5 percent from the previous year, the US Dept. of Agriculture said in its Livestock Slaughter report.

Hog slaughter advanced 5 percent to 9.18 million head compared with May 2015. The average live weight was down 1 lb. from a year ago, at 283 lbs.

For May, Beef production totaled 2.03 billion lbs., a 5 percent increase over the previous year, USDA reported. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.51 million head, up 6 percent from a year ago. Meanwhile, veal production retreated 9 percent to 6.0 million lbs. Calf slaughter totaled 35,500 head, up 7 percent from May 2015. The average light weight dropped 49 lbs. to 266 lbs. compared with last year.

Lamb and mutton production was 9 percent to 13.0 million lbs. Sheep slaughter advance 9 percent to 185,300 head. Average live weight totaled 140 lbs. which is a decline of 1 percent from a May 2015, USDA said in its report.

Overall, commercial red meat production totaled 4.00 billion lbs. in May, an increase of 5 percent from the 3.81 billion lbs. produced in the previous year. January to May 2016 commercial red meat production climbed 3 percent to 20.2 billion lbs. Accumulated beef production advanced 4 percent compared with last year; veal declined 6 percent; while pork and lamb and mutton production all advanced 1 percent from a year ago.

May 2015 contained 21 weekdays (including on holiday) and five Saturdays; and May 2016 contained 22 weekdays (including one holiday) and four Saturdays.