U.S. Meat Production
7.8% Above A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 932.4 million pounds, 2.3 percent less than a week earlier but 7.8 percent more than a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was down .4 percent at 2.9 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 734,000 head compared to 739,000 a week earlier and 691,000 a year ago, liveweights 1223 pounds, 1219 and 1199, respectively. Cumulative slaughter for the year to date was down three percent at 2,237,000 head.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 29,000 head, 30,000 and 29,000, liveweights 276 pounds, 277 and 307. Cumulative slaughter was down 9.6 percent at 87,000 head.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 2,015,000 head, 2,132,000 and 1,899,000, liveweights 258 pounds, 260 and 258. Cumulative slaughter was down 1.9 percent at 6,402,000 head.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 67,000 head, 64,000 and 74,000, liveweights 133 pounds, 133 and 139. Cumulative slaughter was down 15.2 percent at 194,000 head.