U.S. Meat Production
4.6% Above A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 850.8 million pounds, 1.5 percent more than a week ago and 4.6 percent above a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was up 4.2 percent at 20.6 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 710,000 head compared to 698,000 a week earlier and 711,000 a year ago, liveweights 1191 pounds, 1190 and 1163, respectively. Cumulative slaughter for the year to date was down 2.6 percent at 16,508,000 head.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 24,000 head, 24,000 and 28,000, liveweights 296 pounds, 303 and 364. Cumulative slaughter was down 5.7 percent at 674,000 head.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 1,766,000 head, 1,750,000 and 1,623,000, liveweights 256 pounds, 256 and 256. Cumulative slaughter was up 9.5 percent at 45,286,000 head.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 67,000 head, 64,000 and 71,000, liveweights 139 pounds, 141 and 150. Cumulative slaughter was down 1.8 percent at 1,802,000 head.