U.S. Meat Production
2.6% Below A Year Ago

WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Total red meat production under federal inspection last week was estimated at 891.8 million pounds, .3 percent less than a week earlier and 2.6 percent below a year ago. Cumulative meat production for the year to date was up 2.3 percent at 40.5 billion pounds.

Cattle slaughter was estimated at 676,000 head, compared to 674,000 a week earlier and 673,000 a year ago, liveweights 1219 pounds, 1217 and 1212, respectively. Cumulative slaughter for the year to date was up 1.9 percent at 31,840,000 head. Cumulative beef production was up 2.8 percent at 23.3 billion pounds.

Calf and veal slaughter was estimated at 26,000, 26,000 and 27,000, liveweights 300 pounds, 300 and 279. Cumulative slaughter was down 11.9 percent at 1,114,000 head. Cumulative veal production was down 10.8 percent at 193.6 million pounds.

Hog slaughter was estimated at 2,021,000 head, 2,045,000 and 2,191,000, liveweights 261 pounds, 261 and 263. Cumulative slaughter was up .7 percent at 88,446,000 head. Cumulative pork production was up 1.9 percent at 16.8 billion pounds.

Sheep and lamb slaughter was estimated at 74,000, 77,000 and 72,000, liveweights 133 pounds, 133 and 131. Cumulative slaughter was down four percent at 3,122,000 head. Cumulative lamb and mutton production was down 3.6 percent at 206.7 million pounds.