WINDOW ROCK – Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren energizes himself between meetings with “Native American Beef Premium Jerky,” sourced from Navajo Beef producers.
Sold by the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise, this jerky was developed around 2019 by meat scientists at Direct Source Meats, LLC in San Antonio, Texas.
“We take premium Native American beef, trim it, slice it, marinate it, then smoke and dry it,” said Leanne Powell, director of research and development at DSM.
Transforming Navajo-raised cattle into this high-quality jerky took years of research and comparison audits with other products. The result is a product available in three flavors: original, green chili, and red chili.
“It’s all handmade by people who love what they do,” said Mallory Angleton, DSM sales manager.
President Nygren often shares his pride in the jerky when meeting with congressional leaders, businesspeople, and Navajo communities in Window Rock.
“Our Navajo beef enters the global supply chain as a premium food source. Having parts of our beef processed into jerky supports our Navajo ranchers,” he stated. “The partnership with Labatt Food Service and Direct Source Meats helps some of our ranches achieve sovereignty in their operations.”
Part of the success of Native American Beef is made possible through Labatt Food Service’s Native American Beef Program, which supports the sourcing and promotion of Navajo beef to broader markets.
