Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.87 billion
pounds in November, down 10 percent from the 4.30 billion pounds produced in
November 2007.
Beef production, at 1.96 billion pounds, was 12 percent below the previous
year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.52 million head, down 11 percent from
November 2007. The average live weight was down 2 pounds from the previous
year, at 1,302 pounds.
Veal production totaled 11.3 million pounds, 13 percent above November a year
ago. Calf slaughter totaled 81,400 head, up 38 percent from November 2007.
The average live weight was down 51 pounds from last year, at 240 pounds.
Pork production totaled 1.89 billion pounds, down 8 percent from the previous
year. Hog kill totaled 9.32 million head, down 7 percent from November 2007.
The average live weight was down 1 pound from the previous year, at
271 pounds.
Lamb and mutton production, at 12.9 million pounds, was down 20 percent from
November 2007. Sheep slaughter totaled 193,700 head, 18 percent below last
year. The average live weight was 133 pounds, down 3 pounds from November a
year ago.
January to November 2008 commercial red meat production was 46.1 billion
pounds, up 3 percent from 2007. Accumulated beef production was up 1 percent
from last year, veal was up 2 percent, pork was up 7 percent from last year,
and lamb and mutton production was down 5 percent.