U.S. Meat Production
4.1% Above A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 916 million pounds, .3 percent more than a week earlier and 4.1 percent above a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was up 2.3 percent at 33.2 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 717,000 head compared to 727,000 a week earlier and 679,000 a year ago, liveweights 1212 pounds, 1211 and 1216, respectively. Cumulative cattle slaughter was up 1.5 percent at 26,252,000 head. Cumulative beef production was up 2.4 percent at 19.2 billion pounds.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 28,000 head, 25,000 and 30,000, liveweights 277 pounds, 279 and 274. Cumulative slaughter was down 12.4 percent at 914,000 head. Cumulative veal production was down 12.1 percent at 158 million pounds.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 2,029,000 head, 1,981,000 and 1,987,000, liveweights 254 pounds, 254 and 255. Cumulative slaughter was up 1.2 percent at 71,945,000 head. Cumulative pork production was up 2.4 percent at 13.6 billion pounds.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 72,000 head, 71,000 and 70,000, liveweights 127 pounds, 127 and 127. Cumulative slaughter was down 4.7 percent at 2,559,000 head. Cumulative lamb and mutton production was down 4.7 percent at 169.7 million pounds.