Have you ever heard of Moo Tubes? If you haven't, perhaps your dog has. Beaver Creek Products, LLC in York may be one of the newest businesses in the community, but the company is helping the beef industry in their own way by using beef byproducts to produce all natural pet treats. "We are using U.S.-sourced beef offal products and processing them for use as pet treats," says plant manager, Will Williamsen. "Right now we are using beef ears, trachea, steer pizzle and faceplate and oxtail rawhide products," he says. "We are adding value to a product that would normally go to rendering or the pharmaceutical industry."

ADDED VALUE: "We are adding value to a product that would normally go to rendering or the pharmaceutical industry," says Beaver Creek Products plant manager, Will Williamsen.

Nebraska Cattlemen members toured the plant during the organization's midyear convention in York in June, acknowledging how this growing business is adding value to the beef carcass. Keeping in line with the wishes of customers, the company processes and packages all natural products, so there are no added flavors or coloring. Some of their products include Moo Tubes, which are trachea, as well as Bully Sticks and just plain Beef Ears, Williamsen says. "Our products are currently found mostly online through marketers like Simply American Chews, Pet Box and Copper's Classics." These online marketers tout the fact that their products are sourced in the U.S. and are naturally processed.

Williamsen grew up in York. "I spent 21 years in active duty in the U.S. Air Force and retired in July 2011," he says. "I think my management and supervisory skills from the Air Force contribute to me being able to do this job," explains Williamsen. "The thing I like most about the company is the innovation."

Although the company just opened in 2014, business is growing. "We are planning a 12,000 square-foot expansion to our plant, which would double our work force," he says. "That would bring us up to about 40 employees."

You can learn more about Beaver Creek Products by calling Williamsen at 402-362-1975.