Tom Chermak, the President of Cher-Make Sausage Company in Manitowoc says, “It’s been challenging with 6 to 15% of the nation’s beef supply chain being down.” Chermak tells SeehaferNews.com they’ve seen increases in pork cuts of over 600% and 300% in beef cuts from just a month ago.
“You normally have a seasonable increase as people prepare for the summer holidays. These are historical highs. I just got an email saying that all the plants are back online, but they are running about a 40-50% reduction in throughput because they are putting in safety measures for their employees.” He acknowledged, “It’ll still be a challenge getting meat, but so far Cher-Make has been able to fill all their customer orders. Nationally, hot dog sales are up 30% over last year, so consumers are “reaching out for comfort food for their families and, firing up those grills.”
The company president reassures us there should be adequate supplies of Big-W dogs & natural casing weiners should be on the shelves. As for workforce adjustments during the pandemic Chermak says, “We put in a number of measurements and changes to keep our employees safe, just like everybody else.” Tom Chermak added, “You hear about all the heroes…they have been our local heroes..(in that) they care and work hard.”
