U.S. Meat Production
2.1% Above A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 876.7 million pounds, 15.4 percent more than a week ago and 3.9 percent above a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was up 2.1 percent at 20.15 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 721,000 head compared to 619,000 a week earlier and 695,000 a year ago, liveweights 1190 pounds, 1189 and 1201, respectively. Cumulative slaughter was up .5 percent at 15,762,000 head. Cumulative beef production was up 1.9 percent at 11.5 billion pounds.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 22,000 head, 19,000 and 25,000, liveweights 306 pounds, 309 and 287. Cumulative slaughter was down 13.3 percent at 535,000 head. Cumulative veal production was down 15.3 percent at 94.4 million pounds.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 1,828,000 head, 1,614,000 and 1,753,000, liveweights 260 pounds, 260 and 256. Cumulative slaughter was up 1.6 percent at 44,179,000 head. Cumulative pork production was up 2.8 percent at 8.4 billion pounds.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 56,000 head, 43,000 and 68,000, liveweights 136 pounds, 137 and 137. Cumulative slaughter was down 7.2 percent at 1,615,000 head. Cumulative lamb and mutton production was down 7.5 percent at 109.6 million pounds.