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Red meat production 1% above year ago

According to USDA, U.S. red meat production during September 2014 was 3.959 billion pounds, up 1% from September 2013.

Beef was reported at 2.067 billion pounds, a little bit less than a year ago, with the kill down 3% at 2.530 million head and the average live weight gaining 31 pounds to 1,344 pounds. Veal was pegged at 7.2 million pounds, down 16% from last year, with the slaughter dropping 33% to 42,300 head and average live weight jumping 57 pounds to 291 pounds.

Pork came out at 1.872 billion pounds, 2% more than a year ago, with the slaughter declining 2% to 8.829 million head and average live weight rising 10 pounds to 283 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production was 12.3 million pounds, a 5% increase, with the kill up 4% at 191,900 head and average live weight two pounds heavier at 128 pounds.

So far this year, U.S. red meat production is 35.132 billion pounds, 4% less than this time last year.