January Red Meat
Output Down Slightly

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.83 billion pounds in January, down slightly from the 3.84 billion pounds produced in January 1998.

January 1999 contained one fewer weekday than 1998.

Beef production was up one percent from a year ago at 2.17 billion pounds. Cattle slaughter was down three percent at 2.96 million head, the average liveweight up 23 pounds at 1220 pounds.

Veal production was up 26 percent at 17 million pounds and 23 percent below the previous record low for January set in 1993. Calf slaughter was down 18 percent at 105,000 head, average liveweight down 26 pounds at 279 pounds.

Pork production was down slightly at 1.63 billion pounds. Hog kill was slightly below 1998 at 8.55 million head, average liveweight unchanged from the previous year at 259 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production was down 14 percent at 18 million pounds and 10 percent below the previous record low for January set in 1997. Sheep and lamb slaughter was down 13 percent at 268,000 head, average liveweight down four pounds at 134 pounds.