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Saints!

Thursday
March 28th, 2024

national beef logoEARL WATT • Leader & Times

 

The Department of Homeland Security has designated 16 critical infrastructure sectors whose “assets, systems, and networks, whether physical or virtual, are considered so vital to the United States that their incapacitation or destruction would have a debilitating effect on security, national economic security, national public health or safety, or any combination thereof.”

National Beef is included as a Tier 1 critical infrastructure industry, and while the nation wrestles with controlling the coronavirus outbreak, it won’t have to worry about food shortages at the same time.

“We take this special responsibility incredibly seriously,” National Beef CEO Tim Klein stated in a release Monday. “With humility and sober recognition of the challenge at hand, we are committed to providing an uninterrupted supply of beef products to our customers and American consumers.”

The virus threat has created a new set of challenges for emergency personnel across the nation, and it has also caused companies like National Beef to review their operations.

“There’s no blueprint for navigating such an uncertain situation,” Klein stated. “However, we are taking every precaution and being extremely vigilant in our plants, offices and our entire operations to follow the guidance of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, state and local health authorities and the World Health Organization to keep our employees and your families safe and healthy.”

To maintain plant operations, Klein said the top priority was making sure the employees were protected from the virus.

“The health and safety of our entire National Beef family is our first and most important priority,” he stated. “We know it is challenging for them as they adjust to new and changing realities. With their continued support, we can fulfill our imperative role to help feed our nation during this uncertain time.”

Demand continues to be high as stores have started to limit customers on the amount of products they can purchase. Local stores have limited the amount of meat. But National Beef is working to keep up with the demand.

“Our plant operations at National Beef are running at maximum capacity, and we are doing everything in our power to keep our critical part of America’s food supply moving in a safe, efficient manner,” Klein stated.

Klein also wanted to thank those who are working to keep the food supply up and running.

“To our suppliers and American cattle ranchers, thank you for enabling us to continue operations during this challenging time,” he stated. “To our customers, thank you for the efforts you are making to enable consumers to purchase and enjoy safe, quality beef products. To our employees, thank you for your commitment to our piece of being connected, feeding families and providing hope. On behalf of the National Beef family, we lock arms with you and every family across this great nation. Let your strength rise.”