WASHINGTON – US commercial red meat production climbed 5 percent higher to 4.16 billion lbs. in July, up from the 3.95 billion lbs. produced a year ago, according to the US Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Beef production was 4 percent higher at 2.29 billion lbs.. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.89 million head, an increase of 4 percent from July 2012, NASS reported. The average live weight increased 7 lbs. to 1,302 lbs.

Veal production climbed 1 percent to 9.6 million lbs. in July, while calf slaughter totaled 70,000 head, up 4 percent from a year ago, according to NASS. The average live weight declined 7 lbs. compared to 2012, at 234 lbs.

Pork production reached 1.84 billion lbs., which was 7 percent higher compared to a year ago. Hog slaughter advanced 6 percent to total 9.08 million head; and the average live weight was increased 2 lbs. to 271 lbs., NASS said.

Lamb and mutton production, at 14.1 million lbs., was 13 percent higher compared to July 2012, according to NASS. Sheep slaughter was 19 percent higher at 211,600 head. The average live weight was 133 lbs., down 7 lbs. from July 2012.

January to July 2013 commercial red meat production was slightly higher compared to year-ago levels at 28.3 billion pound. Accumulated beef production also was up slightly from 2012, veal declined 6 percent, pork increased slightly from last year and lamb and mutton production gained 2 percent, NASS reported.