WASHINGTON – In December, pork production totaled a record 2.07 billion lbs., up 1 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.94 million head, up slightly from December 2010. The average live weight was up 1 lb. from the previous year, at 278 lbs., according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Agricultural Statistics Board, US Department of Agriculture.

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.22 billion lbs., down 3 percent from the 4.35 billion lbs. produced in December 2010.

Totaling 2.13 billion lbs., beef production was 6 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.75 million head, down 6 percent from December 2010. The average live weight was down 8 lbs. from the previous year, at 1,297 lbs.

Veal production totaled 10.7 million lbs., 8 percent below December 2010. Calf slaughter totaled 72,900 head, down 6 percent from December 2010. The average live weight was down 8 lbs. from last year, at 253 lbs.

Totaling 12.5 million lbs., lamb and mutton production, was down 16 percent from December 2010. Sheep slaughter totaled 180,700 head, 16 percent below last year. The average live weight was 139 lbs., up 1 lb. from December a year ago.

For the entire 2011 year, commercial red meat production totaled 49.2 billion lbs., up slightly from 2010. Accumulated beef production was down slightly from last year, veal was down 4 percent, pork was up 1 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 9 percent.