October 15, 2003

US' National Beef Packing Co To Reduce Production Indefinitely

National Beef Packing Co. announced Tuesday that its two beef slaughter plants, in Liberal and Dodge City, Kan., will operate at reduced rates on an indefinite basis, because of adverse market conditions brought about by a shortage of market-ready cattle.

"National Beef will continue to operate at reduced levels until market conditions improve," said National Beef CEO John Miller, in the announcement.

National Beef Packing Co. LLC, of Kansas City, Mo., is the U.S.'s largest producer-owned beef company. Its majority owners are members of U.S. Premium Beef Ltd., a producer-owned beef-marketing cooperative. National Beef is the fourth-largest beef packing company in the U.S., with operations in Liberal and Dodge City.