U.S. Meat Production
2.8% Above A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 877.6 million pounds, 1.6 percent more than a week earlier and 2.8 percent above a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was up .9 percent from the previous year.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 674,000 head compared to 656,000 a week earlier and 660,000 the same week a year ago, liveweights 1224 pounds, 1224 and 1204, respectively. Cumulative slaughter for the year to date was down 1.4 percent at 6,241,000 head.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 24,000 head, 25,000 and 28,000, liveweights 286 pounds, 283 and 293. Cumulative slaughter was down 15.7 percent at 223,000 head.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 1,956,000 head, 1,958,000 and 1,927,000, liveweights 259 pounds, 259 and 258. Cumulative slaughter was up .6 percent at 18,081,000 head.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 80,000 head, 76,000 and 79,000, liveweights 136 pounds, 136 and 137. Cumulative slaughter was down 7.3 percent at 631,000 head.