Total Meat Output
Shows Some Growth

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Major meat production figures for the U.S. show a growth pattern for the first four months of the year.

January through April poultry production shows a six percent increase at 12.7 billion pounds of frozen and chilled meats. Chicken production was up six percent at 10.79 billion pounds, turkey production up seven percent at 1.88 billion pounds and duck production down three percent at 40.3 million pounds.

The first four months also showed red meat production up four percent at 15.16 billion pounds. Beef production was up six percent at 8.57 billion pounds, veal production down four percent at 62.3 million pounds, pork production up two percent at 6.45 billion pounds and lamb and mutton down four percent at 76.7 million pounds.