Red meat production in October was up slightly on the year.

The total of 4.775 billion pounds was a little bit larger than last year, due to a 3% increase in pork thanks to a higher slaughter pace canceling out a 3% decrease for beef due to lower slaughter and a lighter average weight.

Beef was reported at 2.341 billion pounds with a slaughter of 2.826 million head, 3% less than last year, and an average live weight of 1,374 pounds, 1 pound lighter, while pork came out at 2.419 billion pounds with a slaughter 11.43 million head, 5% more than a year ago, and an average live weight of 285 pounds, down 3.

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