U.S. Meat Production
2.4% Above A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 925.5 million pounds, unchanged from a week earlier but four percent more than a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was up 2.4 percent at 35.04 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 723,000 head compared to 719,000 a week earlier and 669,000 a year ago, liveweights 1214 pounds, 1213 and 1218, respectively. Cumulative cattle slaughter was up 1.8 percent at 27,688,000 head. Cumulative beef production was up 2.7 percent at 20.27 billion pounds.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 27,000 head, 28,000 and 28,000, liveweights 279 pounds, 277 and 274. Cumulative slaughter was down 11.8 percent at 971,000 head. Cumulative veal production was down 11.3 percent at 167.7 million pounds.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 2,037,000 head, 2,060,000 and 2,060,000, liveweights 256 pounds, 255 and 257. Cumulative slaughter was up 1.1 percent at 76,038,000 head. Cumulative pork production was up 2.4 percent at 14.42 billion pounds.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 69,000 head, 70,000 and 69,000, liveweights 129 pounds, 128 and 129. Cumulative slaughter was down 4.6 percent at 2,691,000 head. Cumulative lamb and mutton production was down 4.5 percent at 178.3 million pounds.