Meat In Cold Storage
12% Above A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— The total supply of U.S. red meat in freezers on October 31, at 870.3 million pounds, was 12 percent above a year ago and two percent above September 30, 2000.

Frozen beef supplies on October 31, at 394.1 million pounds, were 22 percent more than a year ago and two percent more than a month earlier. Boneless beef, at 331.7 million pounds, was up 20 percent and two percent, respectively. Beef cuts, at 62,4 million pounds, were up 35 percent and two percent.

Pork supplies in storage last month, at 451.1 million pounds, were three percent more than both last year and last month. Hams, at 141.7 million pounds, were up 20 percent from a year ago, but down four percent from last month. Bellies, at 23.1 million pounds, were up three and eight percent, respectively. Loins, at 20.8 million pounds, were up 28 and 13 percent. Ribs, at 42.5 million pounds, were down nine percent from a year ago and up 30 percent from last month.

Veal supplies in storage October 30, at 4.77 million pounds, were 10 percent more than a year earlier and up four percent from a month ago.

Lamb and mutton supplies, at 12.2 million pounds, were 32 percent more than last year and five percent below a month ago.