U.S. Meat Production
3.4% Below A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 833.7 million pounds, one percent more than a week earlier and 3.4 percent less than a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was .9 percent less than the previous year at 36.6 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 691,000 head compared to 673,000 the previous week and 681,000 a year ago, liveweights 1182 pounds, 1182 1193 pounds. Cumulative slaughter for the year to date was up 1.9 percent at 30,904,000 head.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 32,000 head, 33,000 and 29,000, liveweights 354 pounds, 354 and 359. Cumulative slaughter was up 22.6 percent at 1,450,000 head.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 1,832,000 head, 1,851,000 and 1,981,000, liveweights 256 pounds, 255 and 259. Cumulative slaughter was down 4.1 percent at 77,867,000 head.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 76,000 head, 75,000 and 92,000, liveweights 126 pounds, 126 and 125. Cumulative slaughter was down 9.3 percent at 3,457,000 head.