Red meat production slipped 4 percent in November to 4.12 billion lbs. compared to the 4.31 billion lbs. produced in November 2012, the US Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service reported.
Beef production was down 7 percent at 2.06 billion lbs. in November. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.57 million head, down 8 percent from a year ago. The average live weight increased 17 lbs. from the previous year, at 1,338 lbs., according to NASS.
Pork production totaled 2.04 billion pounds, down 2 percent from a year ago. Hog slaughter declined 5 percent in November to 9.65 million head, NASS reported. The average live weight climbed 7 lbs. from the previous year to 283 lbs.
Veal production totaled 9.1 million lbs., 10 percent below November a year ago. Calf slaughter dropped 14 percent to 60,600 head. The average live weight was up 12 lbs. from last year, at 256 lbs., NASS said.
Lamb and mutton production totaled 11.8 million lbs. in November, down 5 percent from November 2012, according to NASS. Sheep slaughter edged 1 percent higher to 184,200 head compared to a year ago. The average live weight was 128 lbs., down 9 lbs. from November a year ago.
Commercial red meat production from January to November 2013 eased 1 percent compared to a year ago, according to NASS. Red meat production was 45.0 billion lbs. Accumulated beef production declined 1 percent from a year ago, veal was down 6 percent, pork declined 1 percent 2012 levels, and lamb and mutton production was down 1 percent.
