January 11, 2007

US beef companies cut production

Four US beef companies have reportedly cut back on slaughter operations.

Several US beef companies halted slaughter operations on Monday, Jan 8 according to a Dow Jones news report.

Gary Mickelson, director of media relations for Tyson Fresh Meats, told Dow Jones that five of his firm's eight beef plants were not slaughtering. He added they would operate just 32 hours this week.

A Cargill spokesman said that the company's six US beef plants were "running," but did not say if operation hours had been cut.

National Beef Packers said their plants were closed, and Swift and Company declined to comment.