U.S. Meat Production
.1% Below A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 863 million pounds, .3 percent less than a week ago and .1 percent below a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was up .6 percent at 7.24 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 656,000 head compared to 661,000 a week earlier and 673,000 a year ago, liveweights 1224 pounds, 1223 and 1209, respectively. Cumulative slaughter was down 1.9 percent at 5,562,000 head.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 25,000 head, 29,000 and 28,000, liveweights 283 pounds, 282 and 303. Cumulative slaughter was down 13.7 percent at 203,000 head.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 1,952,000 head, 1,936,000 and 1,938,000, liveweights 259 pounds, 260 and 258. Cumulative slaughter was up .6 percent at 16,129,000 head.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 76,000 head, 78,000 and 75,000, liveweights 136 pounds, 136 and 137. Cumulative slaughter was down 7.7 percent at 555,000 head.