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

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 891.4 million pounds, .7 percent more than a week earlier and .1 percent above a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was up 2.2 percent at 29.6 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 722,000 head compared to 721,000 a week earlier and 709,000 a year ago, liveweights 1206 pounds, 1207 and 1218, respectively. Cumulative slaughter for the year was up 1.2 percent at 23,453,000 head. Cumulative beef production was up 2.2 percent at 17.14 billion pounds.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 27,000 head, 25,000 and 29,000, liveweights 275 pounds, 275 and 267. Cumulative calf slaughter was down 12.6 percent at 810,000 head. Cumulative veal production was down 12.7 percent at 140.4 million pounds.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 1,897,000 head, 1,854,000 and 1,936,000, liveweights 254 pounds, 255 and 252. Cumulative hog slaughter was up 1.2 percent at 64,168,000 head. Cumulative pork production was up 2.5 percent at 12.2 billion pounds.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 65,000 head, 67,000 and 64,000, liveweights 128 pounds, 130 and 123. Cumulative slaughter was down 5.6 percent at 2,281,000 head. Cumulative lamb and mutton production was down 5.8 percent at 152.2 million pounds.