Farm/Ranch
Livestock slaughter
By USDA
Nov 27, 2009

Lamb and mutton production a record low for October

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.39 billion pounds in October, down 3 percent from the 4.53 billion pounds produced in October 2008.
                                                                               
Beef production, at 2.28 billion pounds, was 3 percent below the previous year.  Cattle slaughter totaled 2.89 million head, down 3 percent from October 2008.  The average live weight was up 9 pounds from the previous year, at 1,312 pounds.
                                                                               
Veal production totaled 12.2 million pounds, 10 percent below October a year ago.  Calf slaughter totaled 83,600 head, down 13 percent from October 2008.  The average live weight was up 5 pounds from last year, at 249 pounds.
                                                                               
Pork production totaled 2.09 billion pounds, down 3 percent from the previous year.  Hog kill totaled 10.3 million head, down 4 percent from October 2008.  The average live weight was up 3 pounds from the previous year, at 272 pounds.
                                                                               
Lamb and mutton production, at 14.3 million pounds, was down 5 percent from October 2008.  Sheep slaughter totaled 218,800 head, 3 percent below last year.  The average live weight was 131 pounds, down 2 pounds from October a year ago.
                                                                               
January to October 2009 commercial red meat production was 41.2 billion pounds, down 2 percent from 2008.  Accumulated beef production was down 3 percent from last year, veal was down 4 percent, pork was down 2 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 3 percent.