September red meat production soars

Commercial red meat production for the US totalled 4.27 billion pounds in September, up 11 percent from the 3.86 billion pounds produced in September 2007, reports the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), in the September 2008 Livestock Slaughter report. 

Pork production totalled 1.97 billion pounds, up 13 percent from the previous year.

Hog kill totalled 9.96 million head, up 14 percent from September 2007.

The average live weight was unchanged from the previous year, at 266 pounds.

January to September 2008 commercial red meat production was 37.7 billion pounds, up 5 percent from 2007. Accumulated beef production was up 3 percent from last year, veal was down 1 percent, pork was up 9 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 3 percent.

September 2007 contained 20 weekdays (including one holiday) and 5 Saturdays.

September 2008 contained 22 weekdays (including one holiday) and 4 Saturdays.