The information below has been supplied by dairy marketers and other industry organizations. It has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hoard’s Dairyman.

In uncertain times, it is only natural to question the safety and status of the most important aspects of the world around us. Consumers can rest assured that Wisconsin’s beef industry remains committed to producing safe, high-quality beef; and know that at this time, there is no shortage of beef.

“Wisconsin farmers continue to care for their cattle on a daily basis, and we want to ensure there is beef on the shelves in grocery stores across the state,” stated Val Gaffney, a beef producer from Barneveld, Wisconsin, and current Wisconsin Beef Council President. “Our work to provide safe, wholesome and plentiful beef is ongoing.”

The empty shelves seen in grocery stores at the beginning of this crisis were caused by both a surge in consumer demand and shifts in the supply chain as restaurants closed their doors to in-person dining. Retail stores are working hard to keep shelves well-stocked in order to meet consumer demand for beef.

“All members of Wisconsin’s beef supply chain, from the farm gate to your plate, are working to balance the safety of the workforce and ensure beef is available at grocery stores and restaurants,” said Tammy Vaassen, executive director of the Wisconsin Beef Council. “Consumers should feel confident that their beef purchases meet the same levels of quality and safety they know and love.”

Both the United States Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration are closely monitoring the situation and continue to remind consumers that the United States food supply is safe. Consumers seeking additional information can find it on FDA’s website at https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-during-emergencies/food-safety-and-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19 or on USDA’s website at https://www.usda.gov/coronavirus.