August Meat Output
Reaches Record Highs

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.91 billion pounds in August, up four percent from the 3.77 billion pounds produced in August 1998 and up one percent from the previous record high for August set in 1995. January through August red meat production was up three percent at 30.4 billion pounds.

August 1998 contained 21 weekdays and five Saturdays,

August 1999 22 weekdays and four Saturdays.

August beef production was up four percent from a year ago at 2.31 billion pounds. Cattle slaughter was up four percent at 3.15 million head, average liveweight down four pounds at 1206 pounds. Accumulated beef production for the year was up three percent at 17.59 billion pounds. Accumulated cattle kill was up two percent at 24,144,700 head.

Veal production totaled 20 million pounds, slightly above August a year ago. Calf slaughter was down five percent at 119,000 head, average liveweight 16 pounds above last year at 282 pounds. Accumulated veal production was down 12 percent at 147 million pounds. Accumulated calf kill was down 12 percent at 842,000 head.

Pork production was up four percent at 1.56 billion pounds, breaking last year’s record high for August. Hog kill was up three percent at 8.41 million head, average liveweights two pounds above the previous year at 254 pounds. Accumulated pork production was up three percent at 12.55 billion pounds. Accumulated hog kill was up two percent at 66,178,700 head.

Lamb and mutton production was up 10 percent at 19 million pounds. Sheep slaughter was up eight percent at 296,000 head, average liveweight up four pounds at 127 pounds. Accumulated lamb and mutton production was down five percent at 159 million pounds. Accumulated lamb and sheep slaughter was down five percent at 2,401,200 head.