December 13, 2007

National Beef cutting back production 

Kansas City, Missouri-based National Beef Packing Co. announced it will reduce production at its beef processing facilities to 32-36 hours per week which will start this week.

The cutbacks will reduce slaughter by approximately 10,000 to 15,000 heads per week and will impact operations at the Liberal and Dodge City, Kansas, facilities.

In a statement, president and COO Tim Klein said the decision to reduce hours is due to "unfavourable market conditions resulting in unprecedented losses."

National Beef is the fourth largest beef processing company in the US with majority of its ownership held by beef producers. With sales exceeding US$5.5 billion annually and 12 percent market share, National Beef processes and markets fresh beef, case-ready beef and beef by-products for domestic and international markets.