Lamb Production Up from Same Time Last Year

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.26 billion pounds in September, down slightly from the 4.27 billion pounds produced in September 2008 according to U.S. Department of Agriculture's September Livestock Slaughter Report.

Beef production, at 2.23 billion pounds, was 2 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.81 million head, down 3 percent from September 2008. The average live weight was up 14 pounds from the previous year, at 1,311 pounds. Veal production totaled 11.7 million pounds, 8 percent below September a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 81,200 head, down 7 percent from September 2008. The average live weight was down 7 pounds from last year, at 244 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.00 billion pounds, up 1 percent from the previous year. Hog kill totaled 9.94 million head, down slightly from September 2008. The average live weight was up 4 pounds from the previous year, at 270 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 14.8 million pounds, was up 2 percent from September 2008. Sheep slaughter totaled 225,400 head, 1 percent above last year. The average live weight was 130 pounds, up 1 pound from September a year ago.

January to September 2009 commercial red meat production was 36.8 billion pounds, down 2 percent from 2008. Accumulated beef production was down 3 percent from last year, veal was down 4 percent, pork was down 1 percent from last year and lamb and mutton production was down 3 percent.

Reprinted from AgWeek.com