WASHINGTON – In September, commercial red-meat production for the United States totaled 4.16 billion lbs., down 2% from the 4.26 billion lbs. produced in September 2009, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of
Agriculture.

Totaling 2.25 billion lbs., beef production was 1% above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.90 million head, up 3% from September 2009. The average live weight was down 21 lbs. from the previous year, at 1,289 lbs.


Veal production totaled 11.3 million lbs. and was 4% less than September a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 71,200 head, down 12% from September 2009. The average live weight was up 28 lbs. from last year at 273 lbs.

Pork production totaled 1.88 billion lbs., down 6% from the previous year. Hog kill totaled 9.34 million head, down 6% from September 2009. The average live weight was unchanged from the previous year, at 270 lbs.

Totaling 13.1 million lbs., lamb and mutton production was down 12% from September 2009. Sheep slaughter totaled 204,000 head, 9% below last year. The average live weight was 129 lbs., down 1 lb. from September 2009.

Commercial red-meat production from January to September 2010 totaled 36.1 billion lbs., down 2% from 2009. Accumulated beef production was up slightly from last year, veal was down 1%, pork was down 4% from last year and lamb and mutton production was down 4%.