U.S. Meat Production
6% Above A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 904 million pounds, 11.9 percent more than a week earlier and six percent more than a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was up 3.3 percent at 23.5 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 662,000 head compared to 614,000 a week earlier and 665,000 a year ago, liveweights 1216 pounds, 1216 and 1196, respectively. Cumulative slaughter for the year to date was down 2.1 percent at 32,719,000 head.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 25,000 head, 18,000 and 34,000, liveweights 288 pounds, 292 and 296. Cumulative slaughter was down 6.3 percent at 1,337,000 head.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 2,161,000 head, 1,850,000 and 1,943,000, liveweights 261 pounds, 260 and 262. Cumulative slaughter was up 9.8 percent at 91,914,000 head.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 79,000 head, 58,000 and 77,000, liveweights 130 pounds, 129 and 139. Cumulative slaughter was down 2.8 percent at 3,403,000 head.