AgWeb.com Editors

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.26 billion pounds in September, down slightly from the 4.27 billion pounds produced in September 2008 according to USDA's September Livestock Slaughter report.

Beef production, at 2.23 billion pounds, was 2% below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.81 million head, down 3% from September 2008. The average live weight was up 14 pounds from the previous year, at 1,311 pounds. Veal production totaled 11.7 million pounds, 8% below September a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 81,200 head, down 7% from September 2008. The average live weight was down 7 pounds from last year, at 244 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.00 billion pounds, up 1% from the previous year. Hog kill totaled 9.94 million head, down slightly from September 2008. The average live weight was up 4 pounds from the previous year, at 270 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 14.8 million pounds, was up 2% from September 2008. Sheep slaughter totaled 225,400 head, 1% above last year. The average live weight was 130 pounds, up 1 pound from September a year ago.

January to September 2009 commercial red meat production was 36.8 billion pounds, down 2% from 2008. Accumulated beef production was down 3% from last year, veal was down 4%, pork was down 1% from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 3%.

Click here for full USDA report.