U.S. Meat Production
6.8% Above A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under Federal inspection last week was estimated at 892.8 million pounds 2.9 percent more than a week ago and 6.8 percent above a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was up 1.9 percent at 14.15 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 694,000 head compared to 658,000 a week earlier and 666,000 a year ago, liveweights 1208 pounds, 1212 and 1186, respectively. Cumulative slaughter for the year to date was down .4 percent at 10,833,000 head.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 22,000 head, 23,000 and 24,000, liveweights 286 pounds, 283 and 196. Cumulative slaughter was down 13.8 percent at 387,000 head.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 1,981,000 head, 1,986,000 and 1,855,000, liveweights 260 pounds, 260 and 258. Cumulative slaughter was up 1.7 percent at 31,638,000 head.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 66,000 head, 65,000 and 73,000, liveweights 134 pounds, 136 and 140. Cumulative slaughter was down 6.9 percent at 1,199,000 head.