Meat Production Sets Record High For September

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.27 billion pounds in September, up 11 percent from the 3.86 billion pounds produced in September 2007.

Beef production, at 2.27 billion pounds, was 8 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.89 million head, up 8 percent from September 2007. The average live weight was up 8 pounds from the previous year, at 1,298 pounds.

Veal production totaled 12.8 million pounds, 37 percent above September a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 87,500 head, up 56 percent from September 2007. The average live weight was down 33 pounds from last year, at 251 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.97 billion pounds, up 13 percent from the previous year. Hog kill totaled 9.96 million head, up 14 percent from September 2007. The average live weight was unchanged from the previous year, at 266 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 14.4 million pounds, was up 6 percent from September 2007. Sheep slaughter totaled 221,000 head, 5 percent above last year. The average live weight was 129 pounds, up 1 pound from September a year ago.

January to September 2008 commercial red meat production was 37.7 billion pounds, up 5 percent from 2007. Accumulated beef production was up 3 percent from last year, veal was down 1 percent, pork was up 9 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 3 percent.

September 2007 contained 20 weekdays (including one holiday) and 5 Saturdays. September 2008 contained 22 weekdays (including one holiday) and 4 Saturdays.

More on the web at http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/usda/current/LiveSlau/LiveSlau-10-24-2008.txt