Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 12/27/11

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.26 billion pounds in November, down 2 percent from the 4.33 billion pounds produced in November 2010.

Beef production, at 2.15 billion pounds, was 4 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.79 million head, down 3 percent from November 2010. The average live weight was down 6 pounds from the previous year, at 1,293 pounds.

Veal production totaled 10.8 million pounds, 5 percent below November a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 73,000 head, up slightly from November 2010. The average live weight was down 14 pounds from last year, at 255 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.09 billion pounds, up 1 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 10.04 million head, up 1 percent from November 2010. The average live weight was unchanged from the previous year, at 278 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 12.6 million pounds, was down 12 percent from
November 2010. Sheep slaughter totaled 186,700 head, 15 percent below last year. The average live weight was 135 pounds, up 4 pounds from November a year ago.

January to November 2011 commercial red meat production was 45.0 billion pounds, up 1 percent from 2010. Accumulated beef production was up slightly from last year, veal was down 3 percent, pork was up 2 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 9 percent.

November 2010 contained 22 weekdays (including 2 holidays) and 4 Saturdays.

November 2011 contained 22 weekdays (including 2 holidays) and 4 Saturdays.

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