WASHINGTON – In October, commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.27 billion lbs., up slightly from the 4.26 billion lbs. produced in October 2010, according to the US Department of Agriculture.

Totaling 2.22 billion lbs., beef production was 1 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.86 million head, down slightly from October 2010. The average live weight was down 9 lbs. from the previous year, at 1,289 lbs.

Veal production totaled 10.5 million lbs., 8 percent below October one year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 72,600 head, up 2 percent from October 2010. The average live weight was down 23 lbs. from last year, at 252 lbs.

Pork production totaled 2.03 billion lbs., up 2 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.91 million head, up 2 percent from October 2010. The average live weight was down 1 lb. from the previous year, at 275 lbs.

Totaling 11.7 million lbs., lamb and mutton production was down 11 percent from October 2010. Sheep slaughter totaled 174,600 head, 14 percent below last year. The average live weight was 134 lbs., up 4 lbs. from October one year ago.

Commercial red meat production from January to October totaled 40.8 billion lbs., up 1 percent from 2010. Accumulated beef production was up 1 percent from last year, veal was down 3 percent, pork was up 2 percent from last year and lamb and mutton production was down 8 percent.