U.S. Meat Production
6% Above A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 863.3 million pounds, down 1.8 percent from a week ago and up six percent higher from a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was up 1.4 percent at 8.99 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 656,000 head compared to 674,000 a week earlier and 618,000 a year ago, liveweights 1225 pounds, 1224 and 1204, respectively. Cumulative slaughter for the year to date was down .6 percent at 6,903,000 head.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 26,000 head, 24,000 and 28,000, liveweights 284 pounds, 286 and 294. Cumulative slaughter was down 15 percent at 248,000 head.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 1,942,000 head, 1,963,000 and 1,890,000, liveweights 259 pounds, 259 and 256. Cumulative slaughter was up .8 percent at 20,024,000 head.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 84,000 head, 80,000 and 78,000, liveweights 137 pounds, 136 and 140. Cumulative slaughter was down 5.7 percent at 715,000 head.