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

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 858.5 million pounds, 2.8 percent less than a week earlier and .1 percent below a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was up 1.9 percent at 15.9 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 698,000 head compared to 711,000 a week earlier and 698,000 a year ago, average liveweights 1204 pounds, 1206 and 1190, respectively. Cumulative slaughter for the year to date was down .1 percent at 12,243,000 head.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 24,000 head, 24,000 and 24,000, liveweights 302 pounds, 292 and 300. Cumulative slaughter was down 12.4 percent at 435,000 head.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 1,788,000 head, 1,869,000 and 1,842,000, liveweights 260 pounds, 260 and 256. Cumulative slaughter was up 1.3 percent at 35,277,000 head.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 58,000 head, 58,000 and 69,000, liveweights 139 pounds, 136 and 143. Cumulative slaughter was down 7.8 percent at 1,325,000 head.