Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.94 billion pounds in July, up 4 percent from the 3.79 billion pounds produced in July 2011.
Beef production, at 2.20 billion pounds, was 3 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.79 million head, up 1 percent from July 2011. The average live weight was up 23 pounds from the previous year, at 1,295 pounds.
Veal production totaled 9.5 million pounds, 6 percent below July a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 67,500 head, down 8 percent from July 2011. The average live weight was down 4 pounds from last year, at 241 pounds.
Pork production totaled 1.72 billion pounds, up 5 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 8.57 million head, up 5 percent from July 2011. The average live weight was up 1 pound from the previous year, at 269 pounds.
Lamb and mutton production, at 12.5 million pounds, was up 14 percent from July 2011. Sheep slaughter totaled 178,600 head, 9 percent above last year. The average live weight was 140 pounds, up 7 pounds from July a year ago.
January to July 2012 commercial red meat production was 28.2 billion pounds, up 1 percent from 2011. Accumulated beef production was down 1 percent from last year, veal was down 8 percent, pork was up 3 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up 3 percent.
July 2011 contained 21 weekdays (including 1 holiday) and 5 Saturdays.
July 2012 contained 22 weekdays (including 1 holiday) and 4 Saturdays.
Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service
