U.S. Meat Production
.2% Below A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 831.9 million pounds, 1.9 percent less than a week earlier and .2 percent below a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was four percent more than the same period a year ago at 21.4 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 695,000 head compared to 706,000 a week earlier and 732,000 a year ago, liveweights 1194 pounds, 1191 and 1170, respectively. Cumulative slaughter for the year to date was down 2.7 percent at 17,200,000 head.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 24,000, 24,000 and 29,000, liveweights 292 pounds, 296 and 347. Cumulative slaughter was down 6.1 percent at 698,000 head.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 1,717,000 head, 1,766,000 and 1,747,000, liveweights 256 pounds, 256 and 255. Cumulative slaughter was up 9.3 percent at 47,003,000 head.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 63,000 head, 67,000 and 68,000, liveweights 137 pounds, 139 and 137. Cumulative slaughter was down 2.1 percent at 1,865,000 head.