U.S. Meat Production
7.4% Below A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 803.1 million pounds, 4.5 percent less than a week ago and 7.4 percent less than a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was one percent less than a year ago at 37.4 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 666,000 head compared to 700,000 a week earlier and 685,000 head the same week a year ago, liveweights 1180 pounds, 1182 and 1192. Cumulative slaughter for the year to date was up 1.9 percent at 31,592,000 head.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 33,000 head, 32,000 and 29,000, liveweights 352 pounds, 354 and 354. Cumulative slaughter was up 22.7 percent at 1,219,000 head.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 1,767,000 head, 1,837,000 and 2,011,000, liveweights 257 pounds, 256 and 260. Cumulative slaughter was down 4.2 percent at 79,633,000 head.

Sheep slaughter was estimated at 78,000 head, 76,000 and 82,000, liveweights 126 pounds, 126 and 125. Cumulative slaughter was down 9.1 percent at 3,538,000 head.