WASHINGTON – Commercial red meat production for the US totaled 3.91 billion lbs. in February, up 3 percent from the 3.81 billion lbs. produced in February 2011, according to a production report issued by the US Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

Beef production, at 2.01 billion lbs., was 1 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.56 million head, down 2 percent from February 2011. The average live weight was up 21 lbs. from the previous year, at 1,307 lbs.

Veal production totaled 9.8 million lbs., 6 percent below February a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 60,200 head, down 13 percent from February 2011. The average live weight was up 12 lbs. from last year, at 276 lbs.

Pork production totaled 1.88 billion lbs., up 6 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.04 million head, up 6 percent from February 2011. The average live weight was up 1 lb. from the previous year, at 278 lbs.

Lamb and mutton production, at 12.3 million lbs., was up 13 percent from February 2011. Sheep slaughter totaled 165,400 head, 7 percent above last year. The average live weight was 149 lbs., up 8 lbs. from February a year ago.

January to February 2012 commercial red meat production was 8.04 billion lbs., up 2 percent from 2011. Accumulated beef production was down slightly from last year, veal was down 5 percent, pork was up 6 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up 10 percent.