Red meat production up

1 percent from last year

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.31 billion pounds in November, up 1 percent from the 4.26 billion pounds produced in November 2011.

Beef production, at 2.21 billion pounds, was 3 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.78 million head, down slightly from November 2011. The average live weight was up 28 pounds from the previous year, at 1,321 pounds.

Veal production totaled 10.1 million pounds, 7 percent below November a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 70,500 head, down 4 percent from November 2011. The average live weight was down 11 pounds from last year, at 244 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.08 billion pounds, down slightly from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 10.11 million head, up 1 percent from November 2011. The average live weight was down 2 pounds from the previous year, at 276 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 12.4 million pounds, was down 2 percent from November 2011. Sheep slaughter totaled 181,800 head, 3 percent below last year. The average live weight was 137 pounds, up 2 pounds from November a year ago.

January to November 2012 commercial red meat production was 45.4 billion pounds, up 1 percent from 2011. Accumulated beef production was down 1 percent from last year, veal was down 9 percent, pork was up 3 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up 5 percent.

November 2011 contained 22 weekdays (including 2 holidays) and 4 Saturdays. November 2012 contained 22 weekdays (including 2 holidays) and 4 Saturdays.