U.S. Meat Production
3.4% Above A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 893.9 million pounds, .7 percent more than a week ago and 3.4 percent more than a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was up 2.9 percent at 34.9 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 682,000 head compared to 674,000 a week earlier and 692,000 the same week a year ago, liveweights 1216 pounds, 1216 and 1200, respectively. Cumulative slaughter for the year to date was down .3 percent at 28,079,000 head.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 29,000 head, 30,000 and 29,000, liveweights 268 pounds, 262 and 339. Cumulative slaughter was down 23.2 percent at 1,147,000 head.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 2,060,000 head, 2,060,000 and 1,892,000, liveweights 254 pounds, 253 and 257. Cumulative slaughter was up 8.4 percent at 77,376,000 head.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 72,000 head, 72,000 and 66,000, liveweights 125 pounds, 124 and 133. Cumulative slaughter was down 4.6 percent at 2,898,000 head.