Red Meat Production Down From Previous Month

WASHINGTON - Jun 22/07 - SNS -- Commercial red meat for the United States totalled 4.08 billion pounds in May, up slightly from the 4.06 billion pounds produced in May 2006, judging from the current USDA report.

Beef production, at 2.28 billion pounds, was 1% below last year. Cattle slaughter totalled 3.05 million head, up slightly from May 2006. The average live weight was down 12 pounds from the previous year, at 1,232 pounds.

Veal production totalled 12.4 million pounds, 3% below May a year ago. Calf slaughter totalled 59,000 head, up 4% from May 2006. The average live weight was down 23 pounds from last year, at 349 pounds.

Pork production totalled 1.76 billion pounds, up 2% from the previous year. Hog kill totalled 8.76 million head, up 3% from May 2006. The average live weight was down 1 pound from the previous year, at 269 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 15.5 million pounds, was down 4% from May 2006. Sheep slaughter totalled 218,200 head, 3% below last year. The average live weight was 142 pounds, unchanged from May a year ago.

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