US red meat production up three percent in June

Total red meat production for the US in June increased three percent to 4.16 billion pounds, according to USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Beef production grew one percent on-year to 2.29 billion pounds. Cattle slaughter increased one percent to 2.98 million head, while the average live weight increased eight pounds to 1,269 pounds.

Veal production totalled 11.5 million pounds, down two percent from June 2008. Calf slaughter increased two percent to 77,200 head, with the average live weight declining 16 pounds to 251 pounds.

Pork production reached 1.85 billion pounds, up five percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter increased three percent to 9.18 million head. The average live weight climbed three pounds to 269 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production increased six percent on-year to 13.9 million pounds.

Red meat production for the first half of 2009 decreased three percent on-year, with beef falling three percent from last year; veal down one percent; pork down three percent; and lamb and mutton down five percent.