U.S. Meat Output Below Last Year

WASHINGTON - Jan 25/08 - SNS -- Commercial red meat for the United States came in at 4.06 billion pounds in December, up 5% from the 3.87 billion pounds produced in December 2006, judging from this USDA report.

Beef production, at 2.06 billion pounds, was somewhat above last year. Cattle slaughter totalled 2.65 million head, up 1% from December 2006. The average live weight was up 2 pounds from the previous year, at 1,302 pounds.

Veal production totalled 10.4 million pounds, 21% below December a year ago. Calf slaughter totalled 61,000 head, down 11% from December 2006. The average live weight was down 35 pounds from last year, at 289 pounds.

Pork production totalled 1.97 billion pounds, up 10% from the previous year. Hog kill totalled 9.69 million head, up 9% from December 2006. The average live weight was up 1 pound from the previous year, at 272 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 15.4 million pounds, was down 1% from December 2006. Sheep slaughter totalled 229,100 head, 1% above last year. The average live weight was 135 pounds, down 1 pound from December a year ago.

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