September was another strong month for U.S. red meat export value, sending both beef and pork exports past the $5 billion mark for the first three quarters of the year, according to statistics released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

September beef exports in­­creased 6 percent from a year ago in volume to 100,068 metric tons, and soared 25 percent in value to $631.9 million.

For January through September, beef exports were up 3 percent in volume (890,276 metric tons) and 15 percent in value ($5.18 billion).

Pork export value was up 7 percent in September to $513 million, despite a 3 percent decline in volume (162,125 metric tons).

Exports...