Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.58 billion pounds in September, down 3 percent from the 4.71 billion pounds produced in September 2020. 

Beef production, at 2.30 billion pounds, was 2 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.79 million head, down 1 percent from September 2020. The average live weight was down 14 pounds from the previous year, at 1,365 pounds. 

Veal production totaled 4.4 million pounds, 10 percent below September a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 34,100 head, up 5 percent from September 2020. The average live weight was down 37 pounds from last year, at 224 pounds. 

Pork production totaled 2.27 billion pounds, down 3 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 10.8 million head, down 2 percent from September 2020. The average live weight was down 2 pounds from the previous year, at 283 pounds. 

Lamb and mutton production, at 10.7 million pounds, was down 2 percent from September 2020. Sheep slaughter totaled 184,200 head, slightly below last year. The average live weight was 116 pounds, down 2 pounds from September a year ago. 

January to September 2021 commercial red meat production was 41.5 billion pounds, up 1 percent from 2020. Accumulated beef production was up 4 percent from last year, veal was down 20 percent, pork was down 1 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 2 percent.