U.S. Meat Production
Same As A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 913.4 million pounds, .7 percent less than a week earlier and the same as a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was down .3 percent at 33.17 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 719,000 head, compared with 715,000 a week earlier and 714,000 a year ago, liveweights 1231 pounds, 1229 and 1214, respectively. Beef production was 540.2 million pounds. Cumulative cattle slaughter was up .2 percent at 26,285,000 head, beef production up 1.3 percent at 19.45 billion pounds.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 23,000 head, 23,000 and 27,000, liveweights 282 pounds, 288 and 284. Veal production was 3.9 million pounds. Cumulative slaughter was down 13.6 percent at 792,000 head, veal production down 6.4 percent at 148.1 million pounds.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 1,911,000 head, 1,974,000 and 2,017,000, liveweights 258 pounds, 258 and 257. Pork production was 365.1 million pounds. Cumulative slaughter was down 3.9 percent at 69,123,000 head, pork production down 2.4 percent at 133.33 billion pounds.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 64,000 head, 62,000 and 68,000, liveweights 130 pounds, 130 and 129.

Lamb and mutton production was 4.2 million pounds. Cumulative slaughter was down 5.7 percent at 2,406,000 head, lamb and mutton production down four percent at 162.6 million pounds.