U.S. Meat Production
2.9% Above A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 880.5 million pounds, 1.2 percent more than a week earlier and 2.9 percent more than a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was up 2.7 percent at 28.8 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 703,000 head compared to 695,000 a week earlier and 713,000 the same week a year ago, liveweights 1209 pounds, 1205 and 1192. Cumulative slaughter for the year to date was down 2.7 percent at 23,355,000 head.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 31,000 head, 31,000 and 29,000, liveweights 261 pounds, 257 and 325. Cumulative slaughter was down 5.9 percent at 943,000 head.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 1,932,000 head, 1,917,000 and 1,802,000, liveweights 252 pounds, 252 and 253. Cumulative slaughter was up 10.1 percent at 63,506,000 head.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 62,000 head, 66,000 and 76,000, liveweights 126 pounds, 127 and 128. Cumulative slaughter was down 3.3 percent at 2,417,000 head.