Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.86 billion pounds in September, down 2 percent from the 3.95 billion pounds produced in September 2006.

Beef production, at 2.09 billion pounds, was 3 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.67 million head, down 4 percent from September 2006. The average live weight was up 5 pounds from the previous year, at 1,290 pounds.

Veal production totaled 9.4 million pounds, 22 percent below September a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 56,000 head, down 3 percent from September 2006.

The average live weight was down 68 pounds from last year, at 283 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.75 billion pounds, down slightly from the previous year. Hog kill totaled 8.77 million head, down 1 percent from September 2006. The average live weight was unchanged from the previous year, at 266 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 13.6 million pounds, was down 5 percent from September 2006. Sheep slaughter totaled 210,600 head, 4 percent below last year. The average live weight was 129 pounds, unchanged from September a year ago.

January to September 2007 commercial red meat production was 35.7 billion pounds, up 1 percent from 2006. Accumulated beef production was up slightly from last year, veal was down 2 percent, pork was up 2 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 3 percent.

September 2006 contained 21 weekdays (including one holiday) and 5 Saturdays.

September 2007 contained 20 weekdays (including one holiday) and 5 Saturdays.