WASHINGTON — January to October 2009 commercial red-meat production totaled 41.2 billion lbs., down 2% from the same time period in 2008, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Accumulated beef production was down 3% from last year, veal was down 4%, pork was down 2% from last year and lamb and mutton production was down 3%.

In October, commercial red meat production for the U.S. totaled 4.39 billion lbs., down 3% from the 4.53 billion lbs. produced in October of the previous year.

Totaling 2.28 billion pounds, beef production was 3% below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.89 million head, down 3% from October 2008. The average live weight was up 9 lbs. from the previous year, at 1,312 lbs.

Totaling 12.2 million lbs., veal production was 10% below October a year earlier. Calf slaughter totaled 83,600 head, down 13% from October 2008. The average live weight was up 5 lbs. from last year, at 249 lbs.

Pork production totaled 2.09 billion lbs., down 3% from the previous year. Hog kill totaled 10.3 million head, down 4% from October 2008. The average live weight was up 3 lbs. from the previous year, at 272 lbs.

Totaling 14.3 million lbs., lamb and mutton production was down 5% from October 2008. Sheep slaughter totaled 218,800 head, 3% below October 2008. The average live weight was 131 lbs., down 2 lbs. from October a year ago.