U.S. Meat Production
9.8% Below A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 787.6 million pounds, down 10.7 percent from a week earlier and 9.8 percent less than a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was 2.7 percent above a year ago at 30.5 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 625,000 head compared to 702,000 a week earlier and 716,000 a year ago, liveweights 1213 pounds, 1211 and 1196, respectively. Cumulative slaughter for the year to date was down 2.5 percent at 24,689,000 head.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 26,000 head, 31,000 and 31,000, liveweights 264 pounds, 263 and 329. Cumulative slaughter was down 5.7 percent at 1,060,000 head.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 1,733,000 head, 1,941,000 and 1,858,000, liveweights 252 pounds, 252 and 255. Cumulative slaughter was up 9.9 percent at 67,186,000 head.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 60,000 head, 65,000 and 73,000, liveweights 124 pounds, 125 and 130. Cumulative slaughter was down 3.7 percent at 2,542,000 head.