U.S. Meat Production
8.8% Above A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 906.1 million pounds, .4 percent more than a week ago and 8.8 percent above a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was up 3.4 percent at 42.1 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 652,000 head compared to 662,000 a week earlier and 648,000 a year ago, liveweights 1215 pounds, 1216 and 1194, respectively. Cumulative slaughter for the year to date was down two percent at 33,371,000 head.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 28,000 head, 25,000 and 32,000, liveweights 283 pounds, 288 and 298. Cumulative slaughter was down 6.4 percent at 1,365,000 head.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 2,213,000 head, 2,155,000 and 1,912,000, liveweights 262 pounds, 261 and 260. Cumulative slaughter was up 9.9 percent at 94,121,000 head.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 77,000 head, 79,000 and 82,000, liveweights 131 pounds, 130 and 139. Cumulative slaughter was down 2.9 percent at 3,480,000 head.