WASHINGTON – In August, commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.30 billion lbs., up 4 percent from the 4.13 billion lbs. produced in August 2010, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Agricultural Statistics Board, US Department of Agriculture.

Totaling 2.39 billion lbs., beef production was 4 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 3.10 million head, up 5 percent from August 2010. The average live weight was down 7 lbs. from the previous year, at 1,270 lbs.


Veal production totaled 11.3 million lbs., 1 percent above August a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 79,900 head, up 5 percent from August 2010. The average live weight was down 7 lbs. from last year, at 247 lbs.

Totaling 1.89 billion lbs., pork production increased 4 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.53 million head, up 5 percent from August 2010. The average live weight was down 1 lb. from the previous year, at 266 lbs.

Lamb and mutton production, totaling 13.1 million lbs., increased 2 percent vs. August 2010. Sheep slaughter totaled 198,200 head, 3 percent below last year. The average live weight was 132 lbs., up 6 lbs. from August a year ago.

From January to August, commercial red meat production was 32.3 billion lbs., up 1 percent from the same time period in 2010. Accumulated beef production was up 1 percent from last year, veal was down 2 percent, pork was up 1 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 8 percent.