U.S. Meat Production
18.3% Anove A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 882.3 million pounds, .5 percent less than a week earlier and 18.3 percent more than the holiday-shortened period a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was up 3.1 percent at 29.7 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 702,000 head compared to 710,000 a week earlier and 606,000 a year ago, liveweights 1211 pounds, 1209 and 1200, respectively. Cumulative slaughter for the year to date was down 2.2 percent at 24,064,000 head.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 31,000 head, 31,000 and 27,000, liveweights 263 pounds, 261 and 328. Cumulative slaughter was down 5.3 percent at 974,000 head.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 1,941,000 head, 1,938,000 and 1,602,000, liveweights 252 pounds, 252 and 253. Cumulative slaughter was up 10.4 percent at 65,453,000 head.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 65,000 head, 62,000 and 67,000, liveweights 125 pounds, 126 and 132. Cumulative slaughter for the year to date was down 3.3 percent at 2,482,000 head.