Beef production, at 2.15 billion pounds, was eight percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.82 million head -- down 10 percent from August 2003. The average live weight was up 27 pounds from the previous year, at 1,252 pounds.

Veal production totaled 13.9 million pounds, two percent below August 2003. Calf slaughter totaled 72,800 head, down nine percent from August 2003. At 320 pounds, the average live weight was 26 pounds above last year.

Pork production reached a record monthly high at 1.70 billion pounds, up nine percent from the previous year. Pig kill totaled 8.72 million head, an eight percent rise over August 2003. The average live weight was two pounds above the previous year, at 262 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 15.1 million pounds, was down four percent from August 2003. Sheep slaughter totaled 232,600 head which was four percent below last year. The average live weight was 129 pounds, unchanged from August one year ago.

Commercial red meat production from January to August 2004 registered 29.9 billion pounds, down four percent from 2003. Accumulated beef production was down nine percent from last year, veal fell 10 percent, pork increased four percent from last year, while lamb and mutton production declined two percent.

Source: eFeedLink - 28th September 2004