May 29, 2008

National beef reduces slaughter days to cut production
    

US-based National Beef Packing Company LLC Wednesday (May 29, 2008) announced production cutbacks to five production days from six at its beef-processing facilities.

Production cuts are to begin this week, the company said. The cuts will reduce slaughter by an estimated 15,000 head a week and affect operations at the Liberal and Dodge City, Kan., and Brawley, Calif., facilities.

Company officials did not give reasons for the cuts, but cattle traders said beef movement appears to have slowed a bit from its pre-holiday pace.

The company was acquired by Brazilian based JBS in March 2008. JBS is now the largest beef company in the world.