U.S. Meat Production
1.3% Above A Year Ago

WASHINGTON — Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 864.2 million pounds, 2.2 percent less than a week earlier and 1.3 percent more than a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was up .4 percent at 4.65 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 657,000 head compared to 678,000 a week earlier and 672,000 a year ago, liveweights 1226 pounds, 1225 and 1210, respectively. Cumulative slaughter for the year to date was down two percent at 3,577,000 head.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 31,000 head, 30,000 and 27,000, liveweights 275 pounds, 274 and 312. Cumulative slaughter was down 8.9 percent at 139,000 head.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 1,909,000 head, 1,965,000 and 1,882,000, liveweights 259 pounds, 258 and 258. Cumulative slaughter was down .6 percent at 10,274,000 head.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 71,000 head, 71,000 and 74,000, liveweights 134 pounds, 133 and 138. Cumulative slaughter was down 10.6 percent at 335,000 head.