02/25/2013 USDA says red meat production up in S.D. By The Associated Press SIOUX FALLS (AP) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture says red meat production in South Dakota is up 11 percent compared to a year ago. The USDA says red meat production totaled 100.2 million pounds in January, which is up 1 percent from December. . Hog slaughter totaled 430,600 head during January. This is up from 402,300 head in January 2012. The average live weight was 271 pounds, which was down 1 pound from the year before. The USDA says pork, lamb and sheep production were also up in January compared to a year ago. The total of 300 head is up 100 from a year prior. The average live weight was 115 pounds, which is unchanged from January 2012.

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