U.S. Meat Production
1.1% Above A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 836.2 million pounds, two percent more than a week earlier and 1.1 percent above a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was up 2.5 percent at 23.66 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 660,000 head compared to 673,000 a week earlier and 719,000 the same week a year ago, liveweights 1205 pounds, 1202 and 1180, respectively. Cumulative slaughter was down 2.7 percent at 19,171,000 head.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 26,000 head, 25,000 and 29,000, liveweights 279 pounds, 287 and 340. Cumulative slaughter was down 6.4 percent at 775,000 head.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 1,854,000 head, 1,723,000 and 1,640,000, liveweights 255 pounds, 256 and 263. Cumulative slaughter was up 9.8 percent at 52,261,000 head.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 58,000 head, 53,000 and 66,000, liveweights 135 pounds, 136 and 137. Cumulative slaughter was down 2.7 percent at 2,037,000 head.