SAN ANTONIO — On June 9, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren toured Direct Source Meats (DSM) warehouse, where 50% of Navajo beef is processed under Labatt Food Service’s Native American Beef program.
The Native American Beef program is largely started from Navajo ranchers on Padres Mesa Ranch, and has since opened its market to Pueblo, Apache, Hopi ranchers with the primary goal of producing and marketing high-quality beef.
Labatt Food Service manages the DSM warehouse in San Antonio, alongside other locations in Albuquerque and Lubbock, that contribute to its meat production process for the global supply chain.
Earlier this year on April 29, President Nygren attended the Native American Beef dinner at Twin Arrows Casino in Flagstaff, Ariz. a celebration of how Navajo and Natives have contributed to the food industry from land to table.
Various Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprises, including Twin Arrows Casino Resort, Fire Rock Navajo Casino, and Northern Edge Navajo Casino proudly serve beef from Labatt’s Native American Beef Program.
President Nygren’s meat factory tour included the explanation of meat science from testing, to the cuts, to packaging, and then shipping.
Each type of meat undergoes routine health safety testing by USDA officials, who have office space at the warehouse.
“We make it as safe as possible and make the product consistent,” Fred Silva, DSM general manager said. “We’re basically trying to make it restaurant-ready.”
After the tour concluded, DSM staff served President Nygren a series of cooked meat options from a brisket, fajita beef and chicken, Navajo jerky, and beef birria. Most of which is Navajo beef.
This presentation taught how premium beef from Navajo Nation lands hits the global market under the Labatt Food Service and DSM.
Touring the warehouse allowed President Nygren to gain knowledge on the process of Navajo beef production and the significant value that comes from the demand of Navajo ranchers who rely on cattle as part of their livelihoods.
“Our Navajo beef is so delicious,” President Nygren said. “I’m proud of our Navajo ranchers and will continue to support them, because our food sovereignty efforts include our livestock owners. It is beautiful to see how our beef from our grazing lands enters fine dining establishments.”
