U.S. Meat Production
7.9% Above A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 825.3 million pounds, 2.2 percent more than a week ago and 7.9 percent above a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was .8 percent less than the previous year at 38.25 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 671,000 head compared to 672,000 the previous week and 609,000 the same week a year ago, liveweights 1177 pounds, 1180 and 1198. Slaughter for the year to date was up two percent at 32,263,000 head.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 34,000 head, 33,000 and 24,000, liveweights 352 pounds, 352 and 352. Slaughter for the year to date was up 23.3 percent at 1,533,000 head.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 1,882,000 head, 1,767,000 and 1,724,000, liveweights 257 pounds, 257 and 258. Slaughter for the year to date was down four percent at 81,518,000 head.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 79,000 head, 78,000 and 70,000, liveweights 126 pounds, 126 and 125. Slaughter for the year to date was down 8.7 percent at 3,620,000 head.