U.S. Meat Production
12.6% Above A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection during last week’s holiday-shortened period was estimated at 760.5 million pounds, 8.6 percent less than the previous week but 12.6 percent more than a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was up 4.3 percent at 22.18 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 633,000 head compared with 695,000 a week earlier and 597,000 the same week a year ago, liveweights 1198 pounds, 1194 and 1174, respectively. Cumulative slaughter was down 2.5 percent at 17,827,000 head.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 24,000 head, 24,000 and 25,000, liveweights 286 pounds, 292 and 334. Cumulative slaughter was down 5.8 percent at 724,000 head.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 1,636,000 head, 1,717,000 and 1,316,000, liveweights 256 pounds, 256 and 253. Cumulative slaughter was up 9.7 percent at 48,635,000 head.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 58,000 head, 63,000 and 58,000, liveweights 136 pounds, 137 and 137. Cumulative slaughter was down 2.1 percent at 1,922,000 head.