U.S. Red Meat Output Down on Year

WASHINGTON - Aug 19/05 - SNS -- Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.62 billion pounds in July, down 2% from the 3.71 billion pounds produced in July 2004, according to the USDA.

Beef production, at 2.08 billion pounds, was 1% below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.72 million head, down 2% from July 2004. The average live weight was up 15 pounds from the previous year, at 1,254 pounds.

Veal production totaled 12.4 million pounds, 7% below July a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 58,600 head, down 15% from July 2004. The average live weight was 26 pounds above last year, at 350 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.51 billion pounds, down 5% from the previous year. Hog kill totaled 7.66 million head, 5% below July 2004. The average live weight was 2 pounds above the previous year, at 264 pounds.

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