WASHINGTON – In May, commercial red-meat production for the United States totaled 3.73 billion lbs., down 5% from the 3.92 billion lbs. produced in May 2009, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Totaling 2.09 billion lbs., beef production was 4% below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.79 million head, down 2% from May 2009. The average live weight was down 15 lbs. from the previous year, at 1,249 lbs.


Veal production totaled 10.1 million lbs., 2% below May a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 60,400 head, down 8% from May 2009. The average live weight was up 18 lbs. from last year totaling 286 lbs.

Pork production totaled 1.62 billion lbs., down 6% from the previous year. Hog kill totaled 7.97 million head, down 6% from May 2009. The average live weight was up 1 lb. from the previous year, at 272 lbs.

Totaling 12.6 million lbs., lamb and mutton production was down 3% from May 2009. Sheep slaughter totaled 182,700 head, 1% below last year. The average live weight was 139 lbs., down 2 lbs. from May a year ago.

January to May 2010 commercial red meat production totaled 19.7 billion lbs., down 2% from 2009. Accumulated beef production was down 1% from last year, veal was down 2%, pork was down 4% from last year, while lamb and mutton production was down 3%.