Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.18 billion pounds in October, up 7 percent from the 3.93 billion pounds produced in October 2005.

Beef production, at 2.23 billion pounds, was 7 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.86 million head, up 7 percent from October 2005. The average live weight was up 8 pounds from the previous year, at 1,288 pounds.

Veal production totaled 14.1 million pounds, 12 percent above October a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 63,500 head, up 13 percent from October 2005. The average live weight was 8 pounds below last year, at 362 pounds.

January to October 2006 commercial red meat production wwas 39.4 billion pounds, up 4 percent from 2005. Accumulated beef production was up 6 percent from last year, veal was down 2 percent, pork was up 2 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down slightly.

October 2005 contained 21 weekdays (including one holiday) and 5 Saturdays.
October 2006 contained 22 weekdays (including one holiday) and 4 Saturdays.