U.S. Meat Production
4.1% Above A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 865.9 million pounds, 2.5 percent more than a week earlier and 4.1 percent more than a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was up 1.6 percent at 13.26 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 658,000 head compared to 569,000 a week earlier and 660,000 a year ago, liveweights 1212 pounds, 1216 and 1194, respectively. Cumulative slaughter for the year to date was down .7 percent at 10,147,000 head.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 23,000 head, 25,000 and 24,000, liveweights 283 pounds, 289 and 299. Cumulative slaughter was down 13.4 percent at 368,000 head.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 1,978,000 head, 1,849,000 and 1,842,000, liveweights 260 pounds, 260 and 257. Cumulative slaughter was up 1.3 percent at 29,643,000 head.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 65,000 head, 66,000 and 81,000, liveweights 136 pounds, 138 and 135. Cumulative slaughter was down 7.6 percent at 123,000 head.