Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.92 billion pounds in May, down 7 percent from the 4.22 billion pounds produced in May 2008.
                                                                               
Beef production, at 2.18 billion pounds, was 8 percent below the previous year.  Cattle slaughter totaled 2.85 million head, down 9 percent from May 2008.  The average live weight was up 13 pounds from the previous year, at 1,264 pounds.
                                                                               
Veal production totaled 10.3 million pounds, 11 percent below May a year ago.  Calf slaughter totaled 65,100 head, down 8 percent from May 2008.  The average live weight was down 7 pounds from last year, at 268 pounds.
                                                                               
Pork production totaled 1.72 billion pounds, down 5 percent from the previous year.  Hog kill totaled 8.45 million head, down 7 percent from May 2008.  The average live weight was up 3 pounds from the previous year, at 271 pounds.
                                                                               
Lamb and mutton production, at 13.0 million pounds, was down 13 percent from May 2008.  Sheep slaughter totaled 184,700 head, 11 percent below last year.  The average live weight was 141 pounds, down 5 pounds from May a year ago.
                                                                               
January to May 2009 commercial red meat production was 20.1 billion pounds, down 4 percent from 2008.  Accumulated beef production was down 4 percent from last year, veal was down 1 percent, pork was down 4 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 7 percent.