U.S. Meat Production
2.2% Above A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 867.8 million pounds, 1.9 percent below a week earlier and 2.2 percent above a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was up 2.7 percent at 27.9 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 695,000 head compared to 713,000 a week earlier and 722,000 a year ago; liveweights were 1205 pounds, 1206 and 1195, respectively. Cumulative slaughter for the year to date was down 2.7 percent at 22,652,000 head.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 31,000 head, 28,000 and 30,000, liveweights 257 pounds, 258 and 339. Cumulative slaughter was down 6.3 percent at 912,000 head.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 1,904,000 head, 1,904,000 and 1,726,000, liveweights 252 pounds, 252 and 252. Cumulative slaughter was up 10.2 percent at 61,561,000 head.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 65,000 head, 60,000 and 72,000, liveweights 127 pounds, 128 and 127. Cumulative slaughter was down 2.9 percent at 1,254,000 head.