U.S. Meat Production
4.3% Above A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 855.9 million pounds, down .4 percent from a week earlier and up 4.3 percent from a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was up 2.6 percent at 26.2 billion pounds. Cattle slaughter was estimated at 698,000 head compared to 697,000 a week earlier and 709,000 a year ago, liveweights 1205 pounds, 1207 and 1186, respectively. Cumulative slaughter for the year to date was down 2.8 percent at 21,241,000 head.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 28,000 head, 25,000 and 29,000, liveweights 261 pounds, 164 and 336. Cumulative slaughter was down 6.7 percent at 853,000 head.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 1,824,000 head, 1,844,000 and 1,647,00, liveweights 252 pounds, 253 and 252. Cumulative slaughter was up 10.1 percent at 57,739,000 head.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 62,000 head, 67,000 and 64,000, liveweights 130 pounds, 131 and 129. Cumulative slaughter was down 2.4 percent at 2,229,000 head.