U.S. Meat Production Above Previous Year

WASHINGTON - Dec/06 - SNS -- Commercial red meat for the United States quantityed to 4.14 billion pounds in November, up 5% from the 3.94 billion pounds produced in November 2005, judging from the current USDA report.

Beef production, at 2.22 billion pounds, was 7% above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totalled 2.84 million head, up 6% from November 2005. The average live weight was up 7 pounds from the previous year, at 1,291 pounds.

Veal production totalled 14.3 million pounds, 15% above November a year ago. Calf slaughter totalled 66,800 head, up 18% from November 2005. The average live weight was 14 pounds below the previous year, at 351 pounds.

Pork production totalled 1.89 billion pounds, up 3% from the previous year. Hog kill totalled 9.37 million head, 3% above November 2005. The average live weight was 1 pound above the previous year, at 273 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 15.3 million pounds, was down 3% from November 2005. Sheep slaughter totalled 223,800 head, a little below last year. The average live weight was 137 pounds, down 3 pounds from November a year ago.

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