U.S. Meat Production
1.1% Below A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 861.2 million pounds, 1.1 percent less than a week earlier and .5 percent more than a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was up .6 percent at 6.38 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 658,000 head compared to 671,000 a week earlier and 677,000 the same week a year ago, liveweights 1223 pounds, 1222 and 1209, respectively. Cumulative slaughter was down 1.9 percent at 4,899,000 head.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 29,000 head, 27,000 and 28,000, liveweights 282 pounds, 277 and 293. Cumulative slaughter was down 12.7 percent at 182,000 head.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 1,922,000 head, 1,930,000 and 1,886,000, liveweights 260 pounds, 260 and 257. Cumulative slaughter was up .3 percent at 14,150,000 head.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 78,000 head, 72,000 and 75,000, liveweights 136 pounds, 135 and 137. Cumulative slaughter was down 8.8 percent at 480,000 head.