WASHINGTON – In March, commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.28 billion lbs., up 3% from the 4.14 billion lbs. produced in March 2009, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Totaling 2.21 billion lbs., beef production was 3% above the same month in the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.91 million head, up 7% from March 2009. The average live weight was down 32 lbs. from the previous year, at 1,273 lbs.

Veal production totaled 12.2 million lbs., which is a little below totals in March 2009. Calf slaughter totaled 79,800 head, up slightly from March 2009. The average live weight was down 4 lbs, from last year, at 259 lbs.

Totaling 2.04 billion lbs., pork production increased 4% from the previous year. Hog kill totaled 10.03 million head, up 4% from March 2009. The average live weight was unchanged from the previous year, at 272 lbs.

Lamb and mutton production totaled 17.6 million lbs. and increased 11% from March 2009. Sheep slaughter totaled 262,300 head, 18% above last year. The average live weight was 135 lbs., down 8 lbs. from March 2009.

Commercial red-meat production from January to March totaled 11.9 billion lbs., down 2% from 2009. Accumulated beef production was up slightly from last year, veal was down 2%, pork was down 4% from last year, while lamb and mutton production was up 2%.