WASHINGTON — In January, commercial red-meat production for the U.S. totaled 3.92 billion lbs., down 6% from the 4.17 billion lbs. produced in January 2009, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Totaling 2.08 billion lbs., beef production was 2% below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.71 million head, down slightly from January 2009. The average live weight was down 16 lbs. from the previous year, at 1,290 lbs.


Veal production totaled 11.6 million lbs., 3% below January a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 82,800 head, 2% below January 2009. The average live weight, at 238 lbs., was down 7 lbs. from last year.

Totaling 1.81 billion lbs., pork production was 11% below the previous year. Hog kill totaled 8.90 million head, 10% below January 2009. The average live weight was unchanged from the previous year, at 272 lbs.

Lamb and mutton production, at 12.8 million lbs., was 3% below January 2009. Sheep slaughter totaled 186,600 head, 2% below last year. The average live weight was 138 lbs., down 3 lbs. from January 2009.