WASHINGTON — For the month of August, commercial red-meat production for the U.S. totaled 4.08 billion lbs., down somewhat from the 4.10 billion lbs. produced in August 2008, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Up 4% from the previous year, pork production totaled 1.87 billion lbs. The numbers of hogs killed totaled 9.34 million head, up 1% from August 2008. The average live weight was 268 lbs., up 7 lbs. from the previous year.

Beef production was 4% below the previous year, totaling 2.18 billion lbs. for the month. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.78 million head, down 4% from August 2008. The average live weight was up 9 lbs. from the previous year, at 1,293 lbs.

Veal production, which was 6% below August a year ago, totaled 10.6 million lbs. in August. Calf slaughter totaled 76,700 head, down 3% from August 2008. The average live weight was down 11 lbs. from last year totaling 234 lbs.

Lamb and mutton production, at 13.3 million lbs., was up slightly from August 2008. Sheep slaughter totaled 202,900 head, 1% above August last year. The average live weight was 132 lbs., the same as August a year ago.

From January to August 2009, commercial red-meat production totaled 32.5 billion lbs., down 3% from 2008. Accumulated beef production was down 3% from last year, veal was down 3%, pork was down 2%, and lamb and mutton production was down 4%.