U.S. Meat Output Lags Year Ago

WASHINGTON - Dec 21/07 - SNS -- Commercial red meat for the United States quantityed to 4.30 billion pounds in November, up 4% from the 4.15 billion pounds produced in November 2006, according to the current USDA report on the sector.

Beef production, at 2.23 billion pounds, was slightly above a year ago. Cattle slaughter totalled 2.83 million head, down slightly from November 2006. The average live weight was up 9 pounds from the previous year, at 1,304 pounds.

Veal production totalled 10.1 million pounds, 22% below November a year ago. Calf slaughter totalled 58,900 head, down 12% from November 2006. The average live weight was down 36 pounds from a year ago, at 291 pounds.

Pork production totalled 2.05 billion pounds, up 8% from the previous year. Hog kill totalled 10.1 million head, up 7% from November 2006. The average live weight was unchanged from the previous year, at 272 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 16.1 million pounds, was up 5% from November 2006. Sheep slaughter totalled 236,700 head, 6% above last year. The average live weight was 136 pounds, down 1 pound from November a year ago.

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