Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 11/23/11

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.27 billion pounds in October, up slightly from the 4.26 billion pounds produced in October 2010, according to USDA’s monthly Livestock Slaughter report.

Beef production, at 2.22 billion pounds, was 1 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.86 million head, down slightly from October 2010. The average live weight was down 9 pounds from the previous year, at 1,289 pounds.

Veal production totaled 10.5 million pounds, 8 percent below October a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 72,600 head, up 2 percent from October 2010. The average live weight was down 23 pounds from last year, at 252 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.03 billion pounds, up 2 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.91 million head, up 2 percent from October 2010. The average live weight was down 1 pound from the previous year, at 275 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 11.7 million pounds, was down 11 percent from October 2010. Sheep slaughter totaled 174,600 head, 14 percent below last year. The average live weight was 134 pounds, up 4 pounds from October a year ago.

January to October 2011 commercial red meat production was 40.8 billion pounds, up 1 percent from 2010. Accumulated beef production was up 1 percentfrom last year, veal was down 3 percent, pork was up 2 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 8 percent.

Both this year and last year October contained 21 weekdays (including 1 holiday) and five Saturdays.

For more stories, go to www.meatingplace.com.