Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.96 billion pounds in July, down 4 percent from the 4.12 billion pounds produced in July 2009.

Beef production, at 2.23 billion pounds, was 2 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.90 million head, down 1 percent from July 2009. The average live weight was down 9 pounds from the previous year, at 1,273 pounds.

Veal production totaled 10.9 million pounds, 1 percent above July a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 75,100 head, down 6 percent from July 2009. The average live weight was up 21 pounds from last year, at 251 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.70 billion pounds, down 7 percent from the previous year. Hog kill totaled 8.47 million head, down 7 percent from July 2009. The average live weight was up 2 pounds from the previous year, at 269 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 12.8 million pounds, was down 8 percent from July 2009. Sheep slaughter totaled 197,400 head, 5 percent below last year. The average live weight was 131 pounds, down 4 pounds from July a year ago.

January to July 2010 commercial red meat production was 27.8 billion pounds, down 2 percent from 2009. Accumulated beef production was down 1 percent from last year, veal was down 2 percent, pork was down 4 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 3 percent.

July 2009 contained 23 weekdays (including one holiday) and 4 Saturdays.

July 2010 contained 22 weekdays (including one holiday) and 5 Saturdays.