U.S. Meat Production
8.5% Below A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 816.4 million pounds, three percent less than a week ago and 8.5 percent below a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was down 5.4 percent at 5.06 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 617,000 head compared to 629,000 a week earlier and 695,000 a year ago, liveweights 1228 pounds, 1229 and 1228, respectively. Beef production was 454.7 million pounds. Cumulative cattle slaughter was down 7.2 percent at 3,852,000 head, beef production down 8.4 percent at 2.83 billion pounds.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 20,000 head, 21,000 and 22,000, liveweights 320 pounds, 315 and 315. Veal production was 3.9 million pounds. Cumulative slaughter was down 5.4 percent at 123,000 head, veal production down 7.4 percent at 22.5 million pounds.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 1,799,000 head, 1,883,000 and 1,901,000, liveweights 266 pounds, 266 and 262. Pork production was 353.4 million pounds. Cumulative slaughter was down 2.5 percent at 11,124,000 head, pork production down one percent at 2.18 billion pounds.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 61,000 head, 59,000 and 68,000, liveweights 145 pounds, 144 and 138. Lamb and mutton production was 4.4 million pounds. Cumulative slaughter was down 8.8 percent at 362,000 head, lamb and mutton production down 8.4 percent at 25 million pounds.