U.S. Meat Production
5.4% Above A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 875.8 million pounds, 2.7 percent less than a week earlier and 5.4 percent more than a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was 2.9 above a year ago at 32.28 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 677,000 head compared to 695,000 a week earlier and 659,000 the same week a year ago, liveweights 1216, 1215 and 1200 pounds, respectively. Cumulative slaughter for the year to date was down 2.2 percent at 26,061,000 head.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 29,000 head, 30,000 and 31,000; liveweights 263 pounds, 264 and 334. Cumulative slaughter was down 5.7 percent at 1,059,000 head.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 1,992,000 head, 2,051,000 and 1,857,000, liveweights 252 pounds, 252 and 255. Cumulative slaughter was up 9.8 percent at 71,229,000 head.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 72,000 head, 71,000 and 71,000, liveweights 124 pounds, 123 and 131. Cumulative slaughter was down 3.5 percent at 2,685,000 head.