Source:  Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 5/21/10

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.01 billion pounds in April, down 2 percent from the 4.09 billion pounds produced in April 2009, according to USDA's monthly Livestock Slaughter report.

Beef production, at 2.14 billion pounds, was slightly above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.85 million head, up 3 percent from April 2009. The average live weight was down 23 pounds from the previous year, at 1,253 pounds.

Veal production totaled 11.1 million pounds, 1 percent below April a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 68,500 head, up 1 percent from April 2009. The average live weight was down 6 pounds from last year, at 275 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.85 billion pounds, down 4 percent from the previous year. Hog kill totaled 9.05 million head, down 4 percent from April 2009. The average live weight was up 1 pound from the previous year, at 273 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 13.0 million pounds, was down 16 percent from April 2009. Sheep slaughter totaled 190,700 head, 17 percent below last year. The average live weight was 136 pounds, up 1 pound from April a year ago.

January to April 2010 commercial red meat production was 15.9 billion pounds, down 2 percent from 2009. Accumulated beef production was up slightly 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.

April 2010 contained 22 weekdays (including no holidays) and 4 Saturdays, identical to April 2009.

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