U.S. Meat Production
4.3% Above A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection during last week’s holiday-shortened period was estimated at 763.1 million pounds, 17.8 percent less than a week earlier and 4.3 percent more than a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was up 3.1 percent at 23.4 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 619,000 head, compared to 743,000 a week earlier and 605,000 a year ago, liveweights 1239 pounds, 1235 and 1214, respectively. Beef production was 467.4 million pounds. Cumulative cattle slaughter was up .1 percent at 17,863,000 head, beef production up 3.7 percent at 13.47 billion pounds.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 15,000 head, 18,000 and 16,000, liveweights 265 pounds, 266 and 262. Veal production was 2.9 million pounds. Cumulative slaughter was up 2.2 percent at 500,000 head, veal production down 4.7 percent at 92.2 million pounds.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 1,478,000 head, 1,839,000 and 1,429,000, liveweights 265 pounds, 266 and 262. Pork production was 290.1 million pounds. Cumulative slaughter was up 1.5 percent at 49,301,000 head, pork production up 2.6 percent at 9.75 billion pounds.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 41,000 head, 52,000 and 49,000, liveweights 132 pounds, 134 and 144. Cumulative slaughter was up .3 percent at 1,586,000 head, lamb and mutton production down 3.7 percent at 109.2 million pounds.