U.S. Meat Production
.9% Below A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 868.7 million pounds, .9 percent below the previous week and 4.2 percent above the same week a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was 2.9 percent above the same period last year.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 662,000 head compared to 677,000 last week and 671,000 a year ago, liveweights 1216 pounds, 1217 and 1201, respectively. Cumulative slaughter for the year to date was down 2.2 percent at 26,723,000 head.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 29,000 head, 29,000 and 29,000, liveweights 263 pounds, 263 and 231. Cumulative slaughter was down 5.5 percent at 1,088,000 head.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 2,011,000 head, 1,998,000 and 1,813,000, liveweights 252 pounds, 252 and 257. Cumulative slaughter was up 9.9 percent at 73,246,000 head.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 69,000 head, 72,000 and 68,000, liveweights 124 pounds, 124 and 130. Cumulative slaughter was down 3.4 percent at 2,754,000 head.