U.S. Meat Production
2% Above A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection for last week was estimated at 870.3 million pounds, .5 percent more than a week earlier and two percent above a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was up .7 percent at 5.52 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 671,000 head compared to 667,000 a week earlier and 670,000 the same week a year ago, liveweights 1222 pounds, 1226 and 1211, respectively. Cumulative slaughter for the year to date was down 1.7 percent at 4,246,000 head.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 27,000 head, 31,000 and 28,000, liveweights 277 pounds, 275 and 315. Cumulative slaughter was down 11.2 percent at 160,000 head.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 1,925,000 head, 1,917,000 and 1,883,000, liveweights 260 pounds, 259 and 258. Cumulative slaughter was unchanged at 12,215,000 head.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 72,000 head, 71,000 and 76,000, liveweights 135 pounds, 134 and 136. Cumulative slaughter was down 10.5 percent at 403,000 head.