Lamb and Mutton Production Continues Record Low Trend
Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.16 billion pounds in September, down 2 percent from the 4.26
billion pounds produced in September 2009.
Beef production, at 2.25 billion pounds, was 1 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.90 million head, up 3 percent from September 2009. The average live weight was down 21 pounds from the previous year, at 1,289 pounds.
Veal production totaled 11.3 million pounds, 4 percent below September a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 71,200 head, down 12 percent from September 2009. The average live weight was up 28 pounds from last year, at 273 pounds.
Pork production totaled 1.88 billion pounds, down 6 percent from the previous year. Hog kill totaled 9.34 million head, down 6 percent from September 2009. The average live weight was unchanged from the previous year, at 270 pounds.
Lamb and mutton production, at 13.1 million pounds, was down 12 percent from September 2009. Sheep slaughter totaled 204,000 head, 9 percent below last year. The average live weight was 129 pounds, down 1 pound from September a year ago.
January to September 2010 commercial red meat production was 36.1 billion pounds, down 2 percent from 2009. Accumulated beef
production was up slightly from last year, veal was down 1 percent, pork was down 4 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 4 percent.