WASHINGTON – Commercial red-meat production in January was stronger at 2 percent compared to the same year-ago period, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, US Department of Agriculture.

NASS reported that commercial red-meat production for the totaled 4.12 billion lbs. in January, up 2 percent from the 4.04 billion lbs. produced in January 2011.

Beef production was slightly below 2011 levels at 2.11 billion lbs. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.72 million head, down 1 percent from January 2011. The average live weight was down 1 lbs. from the previous year, at 1,300 lbs., according to NASS.

Veal production totaled 10.4 million lbs., 3 percent below January a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 67,700 head, a decline of 6 percent year-ago levels. The average live weight was unchanged at 262 lbs.

Pork production advanced 5 percent in January 2012 to 1.99 billion lbs. Hog slaughter totaled 9.54 million head, 5 percent above January 2011. The average live weight was unchanged from 2011 at 278 lbs.

Lamb and mutton production was 8 percent above January 2011 at 12.1 million lbs. Sheep slaughter totaled 164,800 head, 2 percent above 2011 levels. The average live weight was 147 lbs, up 8 lbs. from January a year ago.