Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.91 billion pounds in February, up 3 percent from the 3.81 billion pounds produced in February 2011.
Beef production, at 2.01 billion pounds, was 1 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.56 million head, down 2 percent from February 2011. The average live weight was up 21 pounds from the previous year, at 1,307 pounds.
Veal production totaled 9.8 million pounds, 6 percent below February a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 60,200 head, down 13 percent from February 2011. The average live weight was up 12 pounds from last year, at 276 pounds.
Pork production totaled 1.88 billion pounds, up 6 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.04 million head, up 6 percent from February 2011. The average live weight was up 1 pound from the previous year, at 278 pounds.
Lamb and mutton production, at 12.3 million pounds, was up 13 percent from February 2011. Sheep slaughter totaled 165,400 head, 7 percent above last year. The average live weight was 149 pounds, up 8 pounds from February a year ago.
January to February 2012 commercial red meat production was 8.04 billion pounds, up 2 percent from 2011. Accumulated beef production was down slightly from last year, veal was down 5 percent, pork was up 6 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up 10 percent.
SOurce: USDA