Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.12 billion pounds in July, down 3 percent from the 4.25 billion pounds produced in July 2008.
Beef production, at 2.27 billion pounds, was 4 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.92 million head, down 5 percent from July 2008. The average live weight was up 9 pounds from the previous year, at 1,282 pounds.
Veal production totaled 10.8 million pounds, 12 percent below July a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 79,900 head, down 9 percent from July 2008. The average live weight was down 13 pounds from last year, at 230 pounds.
Pork production totaled 1.83 billion pounds, down 1 percent from the previous year. Hog kill totaled 9.15 million head, down 3 percent from July 2008. The average live weight was up 5 pounds from the previous year, at 267 pounds.
Lamb and mutton production, at 13.9 million pounds, was up 2 percent from July 2008. Sheep slaughter totaled 207,400 head, slightly above last year. The average live weight was 135 pounds, up 3 pounds from July a year ago.
January to July 2009 commercial red meat production was 28.4 billion pounds, down 3 percent from 2008. Accumulated beef production was down 3 percent from last year, veal was down 3 percent, pork was down 3 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 4 percent.
July 2008 contained 23 weekdays (including one holidays) and 4 Saturdays. July 2009 contained 23 weekdays (including one holidays) and 4 Saturdays.