U.S. Meat Production
2.8% Above A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 919.4 million pounds, 23.1 percent more than a week earlier and 2.8 percent more than a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was down 12.6 percent at 1.011 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 698,000 head compared to 565,000 a week earlier and 704,000 the same week a year ago, liveweights 1217 pounds, 1215 and 1198, respectively. Cumulative slaughter for the year was down 15.2 percent at 774,000 head.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 30,000 head, 22,000 and 31,000, liveweights 276 pounds, 280 and 297. Cumulative slaughter was down 19.9 percent at 30,000 head.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 2,108,000 head, 1,712,000 and 2,016,000, liveweights 262 pounds, 262 and 260. Cumulative slaughter was down 11.9 percent at 2,292,000 head.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 61,000 head, 57,000 and 70,000, liveweights 134 pounds, 134 and 136. Cumulative slaughter was down 26.4 percent at 63,000 head.