Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.55 billion pounds in April, up 6 percent from the 4.28 billion pounds produced in April 2018. 

Beef production, at 2.26 billion pounds, was 7 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.83 million head, up 7 percent from April 2018. The average live weight was down 6 pounds from the previous year, at 1,328 pounds. 

Veal production totaled 6.0 million pounds, 2 percent below April a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 42,800 head, down slightly from April 2018. The average live weight was down 4 pounds from last year, at 241 pounds. 

Pork production totaled 2.27 billion pounds, up 6 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 10.6 million head, up 6 percent from April 2018. The average live weight was unchanged from the previous year, at 287 pounds. 

Lamb and mutton production, at 15.2 million pounds, was up 22 percent from April 2018. Sheep slaughter totaled 235,900 head, 30 percent above last year. The average live weight was 129 pounds, down 8 pounds from April a year ago. 

January to April 2019 commercial red meat production was 17.9 billion pounds, up 2 percent from 2018. Accumulated beef production was up 1 percent from last year, veal was down 1 percent, pork was up 4 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up 2 percent.