WASHINGTON – In October, commercial red-meat production for the US totaled 4.27 billion lbs. in October, down 3% from the 4.39 billion lbs. produced in October 2009, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Agricultural Statistics Board, US Department of Agriculture.

Totaling 2.24 billion lbs., beef production was 2% below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.87 million head, down 1% from October 2009. The average live weight was down 14 lbs. from the previous year, at 1,298 lbs.


Veal production totaled 11.4 million lbs., 7% below October a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 71,400 head, down 15% from October 2009. Totaling 275 lbs., the average live weight was up 26 lbs. from last year,

Pork production totaled 2 billion lbs., down 4% from the previous year. Hog kill totaled 9.73 million head, down 6% from October 2009. The average live weight was up 4 lbs. from the previous year, at 276 lbs.

Lamb and mutton production, totaling 13.1 million lbs., was down 8% from October 2009. Sheep slaughter totaled 202,300 head, 8% below last year. The average live weight was 130 lbs., down 1 lb. from October 2009.

January to October 2010 commercial red-meat production totaled 40.4 billion lbs., down 2% from 2009. Accumulated beef production was down slightly from last year, veal was down 2%, pork was down 4% from last year and lamb and mutton production was down 4%.