Source:  RIta Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 7/23/10

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.18 billion pounds in June, up slightly from the 4.16 billion pounds produced in June 2009.

Beef production, at 2.32 billion pounds, was 1 percent above the previous year.  Cattle slaughter totaled 3.05 million head, up 2 percent from June 2009. The average live weight was down 8 pounds from the previous year, at 1,261 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.83 billion pounds, down 1 percent from the previous year.  Hog kill totaled 9.04 million head, down 1 percent from June 2009. The average live weight was up 2 pounds from the previous year, at 271 pounds.

Veal production totaled 10.8 million pounds, 7 percent below June a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 68,600 head, down 11 percent from June 2009. The average live weight was up 18 pounds from last year, at 269 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 14.1 million pounds, was up 2 percent from June 2009. Sheep slaughter totaled 212,000 head, 5 percent above last year. The average live weight was 134 pounds, down 3 pounds from June a year ago.

January to June commercial red meat production was 23.9 billion pounds, down 2 percent from 2009. Accumulated beef production was down slightly from last year, veal was down 3 percent, pork was down 3 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 2 percent.

June contained 22 weekdays (including no holidays) and 4 Saturdays, the same as in June 2009.

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