WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Commercial red meat production in the United States totaled 3.73 billion pounds in June, up seven percent from the 3.49 billion pounds produced in June 1997. It was the second highest level for June, exceeded only by 3.8 billion pounds in June 1995. There was one more weekday this year than in 1997.

Beef production, at 2.25 billion pounds, was five percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter was 3.11 million head, up two percent from 1997. The average liveweight was up 37 pounds at 1197 pounds.

Veal production totaled 20 million pounds, 24 percent below June a year ago and equaling the previous record low for June set in 1991. Calf slaughter totaled 116,000 head, down two percent. The average liveweight was down 77 pounds at 284 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.44 billion pounds, up 10 percent from the previous year. Hog kill was up 10 percent at 7.73 million head. The average liveweight was down one pound at 255 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production was down six percent at 19 million pounds. Sheep slaughter was down three percent at 294,000 head. The average liveweight was down four pounds at 134 pounds.

January-June red meat production was up five percent at 22.1 billion pounds. Accumulated beef production was up one percent at 12.7 billion pounds, veal down 23 percent at 126 million pounds, pork up 10 percent at 9.1 billion pounds, and lamb and mutton unchanged at 129 million pounds.