U.S. Meat Production
5.1% Above A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 914.7 million pounds, four percent more than a week earlier and 5.1 percent above a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was up 3.1 percent at 39.5 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 675,000 head compared to 649,000 a week earlier and 686,000 a year ago, liveweights 1217 pounds, 1218 and 1191, respectively. Cumulative slaughter was down 2.2 percent at 31,440,000 head.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 24,000 head, 27,000 and 31,000, liveweights 289 pounds, 282 and 304. Cumulative slaughter was down 5.3 percent at 1,294,000 head.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 2,173,000 head, 2,073,000 and 1,980,000, liveweights 259 pounds, 258 and 262. Cumulative slaughter was up 9.8 percent at 87,903,000 head.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 72,000 head, 72,000 and 78,000, liveweights 128 pounds, 129 and 136. Cumulative slaughter was down 2.8 percent at 3,266,000 head.