WASHINGTON – Commercial red meat production declined in June to 4.02 billion lbs., a 5 percent decline from the 4.22 billion lbs. produced in June 2011, according to data from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) of the US Department of Agriculture.

Beef production, at 2.25 billion lbs., was 5 percent below the previous year, NASS said. Cattle slaughter was down 8 percent to 2.87 million head compared to June 2011. The average live weight increased 28 lbs. from the previous year, at 1,290 lbs.

Veal production retreated 20 percent to 8.9 million lbs. Calf slaughter totaled 56,000 head, down 23 percent from June 2011. The average live weight rose 4 lbs. from last 2011 to 270 lbs.

Pork production totaled 1.75 billion lbs., down 4 percent from the year-ago period. Hog slaughter totaled 8.55 million head, down 4 percent from June 2011. The average live weight increased 1 lb. from the previous year, at 274 lbs.

Lamb and mutton production, at 12.4 million lbs., was down 1 percent from June 2011, according to NASS. Sheep slaughter totaled 168,900 head, 8 percent below June 2011. The average live weight was 147 lbs., up 10 lbs. from June a year ago.

January to June 2012 commercial red meat production increased slightly to 24.3 billion lbs. Accumulated beef production declined 2 percent from 2011. Veal was down 9 percent, pork was up 3 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production increased 2 percent, NASS said.