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Ag stats: U.S. livestock slaughter highlights – July 2019

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Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.59 billion pounds in July, up 8 percent from the 4.24 billion pounds produced in July 2018. 

Beef production, at 2.36 billion pounds, was 6 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.94 million head, up 6 percent from July 2018. The average live weight was down 4 pounds from the previous year, at 1,326 pounds. 

Veal production totaled 6.3 million pounds, 2 percent above July a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 53,700 head, up 12 percent from July 2018. The average live weight was down 18 pounds from last year, at 205 pounds. 

Pork production totaled 2.21 billion pounds, up 11 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 10.6 million head, up 10 percent from July 2018. The average live weight was up 3 pounds from the previous year, at 280 pounds. 

Lamb and mutton production, at 11.9 million pounds, was down 1 percent from July 2018. Sheep slaughter totaled 188,300 head, 5 percent above last year. The average live weight was 127 pounds, down 7 pounds from July a year ago. 

January to July 2019 commercial red meat production was 31.4 billion pounds, up 3 percent from 2018. Accumulated beef production was up 1 percent from last year, veal was down slightly, pork was up 5 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production were down 1 percent.