United States Highlights

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.19 billion pounds in September, down 5 percent from the 4.41 billion pounds produced in September 2017. 

Beef production, at 2.16 billion pounds, was 3 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.62 million head, down 3 percent from September 2017. The average live weight was down 1 pound from the previous year, at 1,358 pounds.

Veal production totaled 6.0 million pounds, 1 percent below September a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 48,600 head, up 11 percent from September 2017. The average live weight was down 26 pounds from last year, at 215 pounds. 

Pork production totaled 2.01 billion pounds, down 7 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.65 million head, down 6 percent from September 2017. The average live weight was down 2 pounds from the previous year, at  280 pounds. 

Lamb and mutton production, at 11.4 million pounds, was up 1 percent from September 2017. Sheep slaughter totaled 172,700 head, 2 percent below last year. The average live weight was 132 pounds, up 4 pounds from September a year ago. 

January to September 2018 commercial red meat production was 39.5 billion pounds, up 3 percent from 2017. Accumulated beef production was up 3 percent from last year, veal was up 1 percent, pork was up 3 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up 5 percent.