National Beef® plans to introduce NatureSource™ Natural Angus Beef to its retail customers later this month. The program is limited to U.S.-born, antibiotic- and hormone-free, Angus cattle, and complements the 2004 National Beef launch of its Naturewell™ Natural Beef brand.

A company news release says the new program uses only "U.S.- born Angus cattle raised on 100% vegetarian diets. The program's cattle never receive antibiotics or added hormones at any time." The firm says its proprietary NatureSource Verification System™ ensures the corn-fed Midwestern cattle in the program meet strict quality standards and follow strict humanely raised and handled guidelines.

National Beef Packing Company LLC (www.nationalbeef.com) is the nation's fourth largest beef processor, and the largest in the U.S. with beef producers holding majority ownership. Its sales exceed $4 billion annually and 12% market share. -- National Beef news release