U.S. Meat Production
4.9% Above A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under Federal inspection last week was estimated at 909.6 million pounds, 1.6 percent more than a week ago and 4.9 percent more than a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was up three percent at 37.6 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 678,000 head compared to 672,000 a week earlier and 696,000 the same week a year ago, liveweights 1217 pounds, 1216 and 1192, respectively. Cumulative slaughter for the year to date was down 2.2 percent at 30,116,000 head.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 32,000 head, 32,000 and 32,000, liveweights 274 pounds, 272 and 317. Cumulative slaughter was down 4.7 percent at 1,243,000 head.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 2,137,000 head, 2,084,000 and 1,927,000, liveweights 257 pounds, 256 and 261. Cumulative slaughter was up 9.8 percent at 83,659,000 head.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 70,000 head, 73,000 and 75,000, liveweights 128 pounds, 128 and 134. Cumulative slaughter was down 2.6 percent at 3,120,000 head.