UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark one)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended February 25, 2006
OR

oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from_____________ to_____________.

Commission file number 333-115164

U.S. PREMIUM BEEF, LLC
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

12200 North Ambassador Drive
Kansas City, MO 64163
(Address of principal executive offices)

Telephone: (866) 877-2525
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yesxþ    Noo

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large Accelerated Filero          Accelerated Filero          Non-Accelerated Filer xþ

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yeso    No xþ

     The registrant’s equity is not traded on an exchange or in any public market. As of April 4,June 24, 2006, there were 691,845736,005 Class A units and 691,845736,005 Class B units outstanding.

     Unless the context indicates or otherwise requires, the terms “the Company”, “we”, “our” and “us” refer to U.S. Premium Beef, LLC (formerly known as U.S. Premium Beef, Ltd.) and its consolidated subsidiaries. As used in this report, the term “NBP” refers to National Beef Packing Company, LLC (formerly known as Farmland National Beef Packing Company, LP), a Delaware limited liability company, and “USPB” refers to U.S. Premium Beef, LLC (formerly known U.S. Premium Beef, Ltd.) prior to consolidation.

ii

PART I.    FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.    Financial Statements

U.S. PREMIUM BEEF, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)

U.S. PREMIUM BEEF, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands)

U.S. PREMIUM BEEF, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)

U.S. PREMIUM BEEF, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1) Interim Financial Statements

Basis of Presentation

     The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information; therefore, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included using management’s best estimates and judgments where appropriate. These estimates and judgments affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of the contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. The estimates and judgments will also affect the reported amounts for certain revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates and judgments. For further information, refer to the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, which are included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the fiscal year ended August 27, 2005. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full fiscal year. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified in order to conform to the current year presentation.

     In December 2004, SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004),Shared-Based Payment, was issued. SFAS 123R requires an entity to recognize, in the statement of operations, the grant-date fair-value of stock options and other equity-based compensation issued to employees. The Company was required to adopt SFAS 123R on August 28, 2005. The adoption of SFAS 123R had no effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

     NB Finance Corp., a wholly-owned finance subsidiary of NBP, is a co-issuer on a joint and several basis with NBP of the Senior Notes, which are NBP’s senior unsecured obligations, ranking equal in right of payment with all of its other senior unsecured obligations. NB Finance Corp. has nominal assets and conducts no business or operations. There are no significant restrictions on the ability of subsidiaries to transfer funds to NBP.

(2) Inventories

      Inventories at February 25,May 27, 2006 and August 27, 2005 consisted of the following (in thousands):

(3) Comprehensive LossIncome (Loss)

     Comprehensive loss,income (loss), which consists of net lossincome (loss) and foreign currency translation adjustments, was as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):

(4) Minority Interest

     At any time after certain dates, the earliest being July 31, 2008, the latest being July 31, 2011, certain members of NBP management and/or NBPCo Holdings, LLC have the right to request that NBP repurchase their interests, the value of which is to be determined by a mutually agreed appraisal process. If NBP is unable to effect the repurchase within a specified time, the requesting member(s) have the right to cause a sale process to commence. NBP accounts for changes in the redemption value of these interests by accreting the change in value over the current period through the earliest redemption date of the respective interests. At February 25,May 27, 2006, the minority interest in National Beef was revalued by an independent appraisal process, and the value was determined to be $58.1$65.1 million, which was in excess of its carrying value. Accordingly, the carrying value of the minority interest in National Beef increased by approximately $0.5$0.3 million through accretion during the thirteen weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006, resulting in a carrying value of $51.8$61.7 million which is reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet as of February 25,May 27, 2006.

(5) Contingencies

     Schumacher v. Tyson Foods, et al.On July 1, 2002, a lawsuit was filed against Farmland National Beef Packing Company, L.P. (FNBPC, or the predecessor to NBP), ConAgra Beef Company, Tyson Foods, Inc. and Excel Corporation in the United States District Court for the District of South Dakota seeking certification of a class of all persons who sold cattle to the defendants for cash, or on a basis affected by the cash price for cattle, during the period from April 2, 2001 through May 11, 2001 and for some period up to two weeks thereafter. The case was filed by three named plaintiffs on behalf of a putative nationwide class that plaintiffs estimate is comprised of hundreds or thousands of members. The complaint alleges that the defendants, in violation of the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921, knowingly used, without correction or disclosure, incorrect and misleading boxed beef price information generated by the USDA to purchase cattle offered for sale by the plaintiffs at a price substantially lower than was justified by the actual and correct price of boxed beef during this period. Plaintiffs also seek recovery against all defendants under a theory of unjust enrichment. The case was certified as a class-action matter in June, of 2004. The plaintiffs claimclaimed damages against FNBPC in the amount of approximately $4.5 million plus prejudgment interest, attorneys’ fees and court costs. The claim will be reducedis subject to reduction in an unknown amount by the number of class members who have opted out of the class. Trial began March 31, 2006. Management believes thatOn April 13, 2006, the jury returned a verdict in favor of FNBPC acted properly and lawfully in dealings with cattle producers. Management is currently unable to evaluatebut against the outcomeother defendants. The defendants found liable have filed post-trial motions for judgment as a matter of this matter or to estimate the amount of potential loss, if any. In accordance with SFAS No. 5,Accounting for Contingencies, NBP haslaw, which are now pending. Plaintiffs have not establishedfiled a loss accrual associated with this claim.post-trial motion against FNBPC.

     The Company is also a party to a number of other lawsuits and claims arising out of the operation of its business. Management believes the ultimate resolution of such matters should not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

(6) United States BSE Outbreak

     On December 23, 2003, it was announced by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that a single Holstein dairy cow was discovered in the state of Washington to have tested positive for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). The origin of the animal was subsequently traced to a farm in Canada. Shortly after the announcement, several countries, including Japan, representing a substantial share of NBP’s export business, closed their borders to the importation of edible beef products from the United States. A second case of BSE in Texas was confirmed in June 2005, with a third case in Alabama confirmed in March 2006.

     On December 8, 2005, the Japanese Food Safety Commission issued its final report, concluding that U.S. beef under 20 months of age is safe for Japanese consumers. On December 11, 2005, Japan reopened its market to U.S. and Canadian beef from cattle 20 months of age or younger, where prior to the border closing, there were no age restrictions on cattle used in beef products imported to Japan. Beef from cattle that would have qualified for export to Japan had to comply with requirements for age verification of cattle and removal of specified risk materials (SRMs). Subsequently, on January 20, 2006, Japan halted the import of U.S. beef after vertebral columns were found in three boxes from a small U.S. processor. That delivery violated the agreement the U.S. had with Japan regarding vertebral columns, which are included in the definition of SRMs. On June 21, 2006, Japan and the U.S. once again announced an agreement had been reached to permit the opening of the Japanese markets to U.S. beef products once inspections of qualifying U.S. beef plants are completed.

     Announcements of inconclusive, preliminary test results for BSE can be expected from time to time as a result of the sensitivity of the new screening regime. Confirmed cases of BSE discovered in the U.S. can lead to uncertainty regarding domestic consumer demand for beef and the export of U.S. beef. Neither USPB nor NBP can presently assess the full economic impact of the consequences of BSE on the U.S. beef packing industry or on the Company’s operations. The Company’s revenues and net income may continue to be materially adversely affected due to existing or new import restrictions or additional regulatory restrictions, or disruptions in domestic consumer demand for beef.

(7) Earnings Per Unit

     Basic EPU excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to unitholders by the weighted-average number of linked Class A and Class B units outstanding for the period. Class A units and Class B units shall be issued, redeemed, and transferred together on a one for one basis until the boardBoard of directorsDirectors determines the extent and conditions under which Class A units and Class B units may be issued, redeemed, and transferred separately.

     Diluted EPU reflects the potential dilution that could occur if potential unit purchase rights were exercised or contractual appreciation rights were converted into units. Upon termination of the CEO employment agreement, at the election of the CEO, or upon mutual agreement of the Board of the Company and the CEO, the CEO may purchase up to 20,000 Class A and Class B units, or upon agreement of the CEO and the Board of the Company, the CEO may convert the contractual unit appreciation rights to up to 20,000 Class A and Class B units. The diluted EPU reflects the circumstances of termination of the CEO employment agreement, and the election of CEO or agreement by the Board of the Company and the CEO for the CEO to purchase or convert contractual rights to the maximum 20,000 units at $55 per linked Class A and Class B unit for the periods as provided in the CEO employment agreement.

     The diluted lossincome (loss) per linked unit calculation in the following table excludes the effect of the 20,000 unit purchase rights noted above for the periodsthirty-nine week period ending February 25,May 27, 2006 and February 26, 2005, respectively, as the effect of including them would have been anti-dilutive to the loss per linked unit calculation.

(8) Long-term Debt and Loan Agreements

     As of May 27, 2006, we had $329.5 million of long-term debt, of which $3.0 million was classified as a current liability. As of May 27, 2006, NBP’s fourth amended and restated credit facility consisted of a $120.0 million term loan, all of which was outstanding, and a $140.0 million revolving line of credit loan, which had outstanding borrowings of $22.3 million, outstanding letters of credit of $44.5 million and available borrowings of $66.9 million, based on the most restrictive financial covenant calculations. NBP was in compliance with all of the financial covenants under its amended and restated credit facility as of May 27, 2006. In addition to outstanding borrowings under the amended and restated credit facility, the Company had outstanding senior notes of $160.0 million, borrowings under industrial revenue bonds of $13.8 million, a term loan with CoBank, of which $5.4 million was outstanding, and capital leases of $8.0 million as of May 27, 2006.

      Amended Senior Credit Facilities

     Effective October 14, 2005,May 30, 2006, and related to the purchase of the assets of Brawley Beef, LLC (Brawley Beef), USPB amended its Credit Agreement to provide for the acquisition of limited partnership units in National Beef California, L.P. (NBC) and the contribution of those partnership units to NBP in exchange for an increased ownership percentage (see Note 9. Subsequent Events).

Effective June 1, 2006, and related to the purchase of the assets of Brawley Beef (see Note 9.Subsequent Events), NBP amended and restated its existing senior credit facility was furtherwith a consortium of banks. The facility now consists of a $170.0 million term loan that matures in May 2016 and a $160.0 million revolving line of credit loan that matures in May 2011 that is subject to certain borrowing base limitations. This amendment and restatement is within the scope of the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) 96-19,Debtor’s Accounting for a Modification or Exchange of Debt Instruments as well as EITF 98-14,Debtor’s Accounting for Changes in Line-of-Credit or Revolving-Debt Arrangements. In accordance with that guidance, a portion of the unamortized loan costs from the previous credit facility as well as additional finance and legal charges associated with the new amended to reflect changesand restated credit facility will be written off during the Company’s fourth quarter of fiscal year 2006. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the guidance on the costs and charges. At the closing of the amended and restated credit facility, NBP had outstanding $170.0 million under the term loan and $21.1 million under the revolving loan with an additional $51.6 million of the revolving loan used in the form of letters of credit and had estimated available borrowings of $76.5 million based on the most restrictive financial covenant limitingcalculations.

     The borrowings under the revolving loan are available for NBP’s networking capital expenditures. There were no changes to the remaining covenants in the credit facility. NBP’s netrequirements, capital expenditures are now limited to amounts in each period as follows: $64 million in the combined period of FYE 2005 and FYE 2006, $35 million in FYE 2007 and $40 million in FYE 2008 and fiscal years thereafter. Prior to this amendment, FYE 2005 and FYE 2006 were separately limited to $32 million each year.

other general corporate purposes. The amended and restated credit facility is secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of NBP’s assets. The principal amount outstanding under the term loan shall be payable in semi-annual installments on the last business day of each June and December commencing June 30, 2011 in equal installments of approximately $2.8 million, with any and all remaining principal outstanding being due and payable on the maturity date. Prepayment is allowed at any time.

     NBP’s amended and restated credit facility contains covenants that limit its ability to incur additional indebtedness, sell or dispose of assets, pay certain dividends and prepay or amend certain indebtedness among other matters. The amended and restated credit facility also contains a provision for a conversion to potentially more favorable interest rates and more restrictive financial covenants on the earlier of (a) June 1, 2006August 25, 2007 or (b) NBP’sthe election of NBP (the Conversion Date). GivenCurrently, the current U.S. beef industry conditions, thereinterest rate for the term loan is uncertainty as to whether NBP will be(a) the Base Rate (as defined in compliance with the more restrictive covenants aftercredit agreement) plus 75 basis points or (b) the Conversion Date, which are initially effective with NBP’s 2006 fiscal year end. To address this uncertainty,LIBOR Rate (as defined in the Company has been in discussions withcredit agreement) plus 275 basis points, or a combination of these rates at the banks associated withelection of NBP. At closing of the amended and restated credit facility, the interest rate for the term loan was 8.75, as a Base Rate loan. On June 6, 2006, the term loan was converted to a 90 day LIBOR Rate loan at 8.0625%. Currently, the interest rate for the revolving loan is (a) the Base Rate plus 50 basis points or (b) the LIBOR Rate plus 250 basis points, or a combination of these rates at the election of NBP. At closing of the amended and restated credit facility, the Company is considering different options, suchinterest rate for the revolving loan was 8.5%, as amendinga Base Rate loan. After the more restrictive financial covenants or obtaining waivers to those covenants, as appropriate. However, no arrangements have been madeConversion Date, the interest rate for the term loan and there can be no guarantee that NBPrevolving loan will be abledetermined by reference to obtain such amendmentsa matrix of rates keyed to NBP’s funded debt to EBITDA (as defined in the credit agreement) ratio.

     The amended and restated credit facility imposes certain financial covenants. From May 30, 2006 until the earlier of February 28, 2007 or waivers by its 2006the Conversion Date, NBP is required to (i) have as of the end of each fiscal quarter a minimum four-quarter rolling EBITDA of $50.0 million and (ii) maintain at all times a minimum Borrowing Base Availability (as defined in the credit agreement) of at least $25.0 million. After February 28, 2007 until the Conversion date, NBP is required to (i) have as of the end of each fiscal quarter a minimum four-quarter rolling EBITDA of $60.0 million and (ii) maintain at all times a minimum Borrowing Base Availability of at least $25.0 million. After the Conversion Date, NBP is required to maintain at all times a specified maximum funded debt to EBITDA ratio, a maximum senior secured funded debt to EBITDA ratio, a minimum four-quarter rolling EBITDA and a minimum four-quarter rolling debt service coverage ratio. In addition, NBP’s annual net capital expenditures are limited to $48 million in fiscal year end.2006 and $50 million in each of the fiscal years thereafter.

     The amended and restated credit facility contains customary affirmative covenants, including furnishing financial statements, maintenance of insurance, conduct of business, maintenance of properties, and compliance with laws. The facility also contains customary negative covenants, including covenants restricting NBP’s ability to pay certain distributions, incur additional indebtedness, merge with another entity, sell or dispose assets, and make investments or acquire assets, among other restrictions.

(9) Subsequent EventEvents

     On March 10,June 1, 2006, the CompanyUSPB and its majority owned subsidiary, NBP, announced thatcompleted the Company had entered into a non-binding Letteracquisition of Intent to acquiresubstantially all of the businessassets of Brawley Beef LLC (Brawley Beef). The parties expectpursuant to enter into a definitive agreement following due diligence. It is anticipated that NBP would own and operate the Contribution Agreement with Brawley Beef business.and NBC (the Agreement). NBC is a newly formed limited partnership with National Carriers, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of NBP, acting as its general partner. Brawley Beef iswas formed in 2001 and owned by an alliance of cattle producers in Arizona and California who supplysupplied its meat packing operations with approximately 400,000 animals per year. The company producescattle. Brawley Beef operated a new beef processing facility that began operations in December 2001in Brawley, California, and produced upscale custom cuts for sale to retail customers.

     Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, Brawley Beef contributed substantially all of its assets to NBC in exchange for limited partnership units of NBC, and NBC assumed approximately $72 million of Brawley Beef’s debt and current liabilities, subject to certain adjustments. Brawley Beef then exchanged all of its NBC units with USPB, for 44,160 new Class A USPB units and 44,160 new Class B USPB units. The value of these Class A USPB units and Class B USPB units was formed by its suppliersestimated to be $7.3 million based on recent trades at the time the Agreement was negotiated. Under a separate unit exchange agreement between USPB and NBP, USPB exchanged the limited partnership units of NBC with NBP for 5,899,297 Class A units and 664,475 Class B-1 units of NBP. As a result, USPB’s ownership interest in 2001 and operates in Brawley, California with a new beef processing facility.NBP’s Class B voting units increased to 54.76%.

     Adjustments to the purchase price will be made within 60 days of closing based on changes in the working capital and debt of Brawley Beef prior to the closing date. For accounting purposes, the closing is deemed to have occurred on May 30, 2006. The Company is currently reviewing the valuation of the net assets acquired in determining the allocation of the purchase price.

     Concurrently with the transfer of assets, Brawley Beef entered into long-term cattle supply agreements with both NBC and USPB under which Brawley Beef committed to supply approximately 275,000 head of cattle to NBC’s Brawley facility.

     Under the terms of the Agreement, Brawley Beef made customary covenants, representations and warranties and agreed to indemnify NBC and the Company for breaches of these representations and warranties. Brawley Beef can satisfy any indemnification obligations over a three-year period with a combination of cash, deductions from payments under certain cattle contracts or surrender of its USPB units at $165 per unit. In addition, Brawley Beef pledged its USPB units to NBC to secure its obligations under the Agreement. Brawley Beef’s obligations under the Agreement and cattle supply agreements are also supported by limited guaranties from its members.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

     This report contains “forward-looking statements,” which are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate” and similar expressions. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including economic conditions generally and in our principal markets, the availability and prices of live cattle and commodities, food safety, livestock disease, including the identification of cattle with BSE, competitive practices and consolidation in the cattle production and processing industries, actions of domestic or foreign governments, hedging risk, changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, consumer demand and preferences, the cost of compliance with environmental and health laws, loss of key customers, loss of key employees, labor relations, and consolidation among our customers.customers and the potential inability to receive the anticipated benefits from the Brawley Beef acquisition.

     In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the results and events contemplated by the forward-looking information contained in this report will in fact transpire. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Please review theRisk Factors in Item 1. Business of the Company’s Annual Report for the year ended August 27, 2005 on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any such forward-looking statements, and which should be read in conjunction with this report.

Industry Outlook

     Cyclically lowDrought conditions provided poor pasture in many important grazing areas of the country and contributed to larger numbers of cattle supplies, along with limited access to key export markets,being placed on feed. The larger number of cattle on feed has provided a difficult environment for beef industry participants. In general, domesticincreased the supply of market-ready fed cattle supplies are anticipated to improve overin recent weeks, which increases the next two to three years, but with questions remaining regarding international market access, margins can be expected to continue to be negatively impacted.risk that this supply could decline in the coming months.

Recent Developments

     On June 1, 2006, USPB and its majority owned subsidiary, NBP, completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Brawley Beef, LLC (Brawley Beef) pursuant to a Contribution Agreement with Brawley Beef and National Beef California, LP (NBC) (the Agreement). NBC is a newly formed limited partnership with National Carriers, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of NBP, acting as its general partner. Brawley Beef was formed in 2001 and owned by an alliance of cattle producers in Arizona and California who supplied its meat packing operations with cattle. Brawley Beef operated a new beef processing facility that began operations in December 2001in Brawley, California, and produced upscale custom cuts for sale to retail customers.

     Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, Brawley Beef contributed substantially all of its assets to NBC in exchange for limited partnership units of NBC, and NBC assumed approximately $72 million of Brawley Beef’s debt and current liabilities, subject to certain adjustments. Brawley Beef then exchanged all of its NBC units with USPB, for 44,160 new Class A USPB units and 44,160 new Class B USPB units. The value of these Class A USPB units and Class B USPB units was estimated to be $7.3 million based on recent trades at the time the Agreement was negotiated. Under a separate unit exchange agreement between USPB and NBP, USPB exchanged the limited partnership units of NBC with NBP for 5,899,297 Class A units and 664,475 Class B-1 units of NBP. As a result, USPB’s ownership interest in NBP’s Class B voting units increased to 54.76%.

     Adjustments to the purchase price will be made within 60 days of closing based on changes in the working capital and debt of Brawley Beef prior to the closing date. For accounting purposes, the closing is deemed to have occurred on May 30, 2006. The Company is currently reviewing the valuation of the net assets acquired in determining the allocation of the purchase price.

     Concurrently with the transfer of assets, Brawley Beef entered into long-term cattle supply agreements with both NBC and USPB under which Brawley Beef committed to supply approximately 275,000 head of cattle to NBC’s Brawley facility.

Effective May 30, 2006, and related to the purchase of the assets of Brawley Beef, USPB amended its Credit Agreement to provide for the acquisition of limited partnership units in NBC and the contribution of those partnership units to NBP in exchange for an increased ownership percentage (see Note 9.  Subsequent Events).

     Under the terms of the Agreement, Brawley Beef made customary covenants, representations and warranties and agreed to indemnify NBC and the Company for breaches of these representations and warranties. Brawley Beef can satisfy any indemnification obligations over a three-year period with a combination of cash, deductions from payments under certain cattle contracts or surrender of its USPB units at a value of $165 per unit. In addition, Brawley Beef pledged its USPB units to NBC to secure its obligations under the Agreement. Brawley Beef’s obligations under the Agreement and cattle supply agreements are also supported by limited guaranties from its members.

Effective June 1, 2006, and related the purchase of the assets of Brawley Beef, NBP’s amended and restated senior credit facility with a consortium of banks was further amended and restated. The facility now consists of a $170.0 million term loan that matures in May 2016 and a $160.0 million revolving line of credit loan that matures in May 2011 that is subject to certain borrowing base limitations. These transactions are more fully described inLiquidity and Capital Resources below.

     On December 23, 2003, it was announced by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that a single Holstein dairy cow was discovered in the state of Washington to have tested positive for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). The origin of the animal was subsequently traced to a farm in Canada. Shortly after the announcement, several countries, including Japan, representing a substantial share of NBP’s export business, closed their borders to the importation of edible beef products from the United States. A second case of BSE in Texas was confirmed in June 2005, with a third case in Alabama confirmed in March 2006.

     On December 8, 2005, the Japanese Food Safety Commission issued its final report, concluding that U.S. beef under 20 months of age is safe for Japanese consumers. On December 11, 2005, Japan reopened its market to U.S. and Canadian beef from cattle 20 months of age or younger, where prior to the border closing, there were no age restrictions on cattle used in beef products imported to Japan. Beef from cattle that would have qualified for export to Japan had to comply with requirements for age verification of cattle and removal of specified risk materials (SRMs). Subsequently, on January 20, 2006, Japan halted the import of U.S. beef after vertebral columns were found in three boxes from a small U.S. processor. That delivery violated the agreement the U.S. had with Japan regarding vertebral columns, which are included in the definition of SRMs. On June 21, 2006, Japan and the U.S. once again announced an agreement had been reached to permit the opening of the Japanese markets to U.S. beef products, commencing when inspections of qualifying U.S. beef plants are completed.

     Announcements of inconclusive, preliminary test results for BSE can be expected from time to time as a result of the sensitivity of the new screening regime. Confirmed cases of BSE discovered in the U.S. can lead to uncertainty regarding domestic consumer demand for beef and the export of U.S. beef. Neither USPB nor NBP can presently assess the full economic impact of the consequences of BSE on the U.S. beef packing industry or on the Company’s operations. The Company’s revenues and net income may continue to be materially adversely affected due to existing or new import restrictions or additional regulatory restrictions, or disruptions in domestic consumer demand for beef.

     On March 10, 2006, the Company and its majority owned subsidiary, NBP, announced that the Company had entered into a non-binding Letter of Intent to acquire the business of Brawley Beef, LLC (Brawley Beef). The parties expect to enter into a definitive agreement following due diligence. It is anticipated that NBP would own and operate the Brawley Beef business. Brawley Beef is an alliance of cattle producers in Arizona and California who supply its meat packing operations with approximately 400,000 animals per year. The company produces upscale custom cuts for sale to retail customers. Brawley Beef was formed by its suppliers in 2001 and operates in Brawley, California with a new beef processing facility.

Results of Operations

Thirteen weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 compared to thirteen weeks ended February 26,May 28, 2005

     General.Net lossincome for the thirteen weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 was $7.6$12.9 million compared to net loss of $7.5$11.1 million for the thirteen weeks ended February 26,May 28, 2005, an increased lossincrease of $0.1$1.8 million, or 1.3%. 16.2%. Sales were higher in the thirteen weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 compared to those of the prior period due to improvedan approximate 2.7% increase in the number of cattle slaughtered at average weights about 2.8% higher than last year, partially offset by an average decline in sales prices per head of approximately 3.9%, but this increase was more than offset by the increase in cost of sales2.9% for the same13 weeks ended May 27, 2006. Live cattle prices declined approximately 8.1% in the current period due toresulting from an increase in live cattle prices resulting from the continued tightened supply ofavailable market-ready cattle.

     Total costs and expenses of $1,086.8$1,103.0 million and $1,029.6$1,098.0 million for the thirteen weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 and February 26,May 28, 2005, respectively, were 100.6%97.2% as a percent of sales for the thirteen weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 compared to 100.3%97.5% for the thirteen weeks ended February 26,May 28, 2005. Tight suppliesIncreasing numbers of market-ready cattle and lower demand levels for beef resulting from continued closure of important export markets, as well as lowerbecame available during the thirteen weeks ended May 27, 2006 compared to the prior period, contributing to an 8.1% decline in live cattle prices. Additionally, improved plant capacity utilization contributed to a declinean increase in gross margin, resulting in an increase in the operating lossincome of $4.0 million.$2.9 million, or 10.1% of operating income.

     Net Sales. Net sales were $1,080.0$1,134.5 million for the thirteen weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 compared to $1,026.7$1,126.6 million for the thirteen weeks ended February 26,May 28, 2005, an increase of $53.3$7.9 million, or 5.2%0.7%. The moderate increase resulted primarily from an approximate 2.7% increase in boxed beef and beef product pricesnumber of approximately 3.9%cattle slaughtered at average weights about 0.9%2.8% higher than last year, whileoffset by an average decline in sales prices per head of 2.9% for the number of cattle processed remained relatively flat.13 weeks ended May 27, 2006. Sales improved due to an improved product sales mix and continued growth in value-added sales for the thirteen weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 as compared to February 26,May 28, 2005.

     Cost of Sales. Cost of sales was $1,070.7$1,085.9 million for the thirteen weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 compared to $1,014.6$1,082.9 million for the thirteen weeks ended February 26,May 28, 2005, an increase of $56.1$3.0 million, or 5.5%0.3%. The moderate increase resulted primarily from an approximate 2.7% increase in number of cattle slaughtered at average weights about 2.8% higher than last year, offset by a 5.2% increasedecline in live cattle prices resultingof approximately 8.1% in the current period. Cost of sales benefited from the continued tightened supply ofan increase in available market-ready cattle combined with a slight increase in average live weights of 0.9%, whileduring the number of cattle processed remained relatively flat.thirteen weeks ended May 27, 2006 as compared to May 28, 2005.

     Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $9.2$10.0 million for the thirteen weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 compared to $8.9$9.0 million for the thirteen weeks ended February 26,May 28, 2005, an increase of $0.3$1.0 million, or 3.4%11.1%. The current year reflects an increase in payrollmarketing expense and related expensestravel expense of approximately $0.6$0.5 million due toassociated with supporting two new marketing programs, approximately $0.3 from long-term bonus programs, increased lifetravel associated in part with the Brawley Beef acquisition negotiations, and health benefits expenses and increases in and reassignment of staff, offset by a $0.7 million decrease in bad debt reserve resultingalso from miscellaneous recoveries.increased fuel costs.

     Depreciation and Amortization Expense. Depreciation and amortization expenses were $6.9$7.1 million for the thirteen weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 compared to $6.1 million for the thirteen weeks ended February 26,May 28, 2005, an increase of $0.8$1.0 million, or 13.1%16.4%. Depreciation expense increased due largely to assets being placed into service, primarily at the Dodge City and Liberal beef plants, during the third and fourth quartersquarter of fiscal year 2005 and the first, second and secondthird quarters of fiscal year 2006.

Operating LossIncome. Operating lossincome was $6.8$31.5 million for the thirteen weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 compared to operating loss of $2.8$28.6 million for the thirteen weeks ended February 26,May 28, 2005, an increased lossincrease of $4.0$2.9 million, or 142.9%10.1%. The increased lossincrease resulted primarily from increases in live cattle pricesimproved market conditions resulting from the continued tight suppliesincrease of available market-ready cattle, combined with lower plant capacity utilization.as well as an increased number of cattle slaughtered in the current period at higher average weights than the same period last year.

     Interest Expense. Interest expense was $7.8$8.0 million for the thirteen weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 compared to $7.3 million for the thirteen weeks ended February 26,May 28, 2005, an increase of $0.5$0.7 million, or 6.8%9.6%. The increase was due primarily to higher interest rates on our variable rate debt partially offset by an average decrease in revolver borrowings for the thirteen weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006, as compared to the same period in fiscal year 2005.

     Other, net.Other, net non-operating income was $0.7 million for the thirteen weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 compared to non-operating expenseincome of $3.0$0.4 million for the thirteen weeks ended February 26,May 28, 2005, a changean increase of $3.7$0.3 million, or 123.3%. The thirteen weeks ended February 25, 2006 included $0.6due primarily to $0.4 million in patronage income received for a settlement of a lawsuit related to corrugated packaging materials, andin the same period for 2005 included $3.2 million in expense for the write-off of unamortized loan costs associated with amending and restating the existing senior credit facility.current period.

     Income Tax (Benefit) Expense. Income tax benefit was relatively constant at $0.6$0.1 million for both the thirteen weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 and February 26, 2005.compared to income tax expense of $0.8 million for the thirteen weeks ended May 28, 2005, a decrease in expense of $0.9 million. Income tax expense isdecreased due to lower income recorded on income fromby National Carriers, Inc., a subsidiary of NBP, which is organized as a C Corporation.Corporation, in the current period compared to the same period last year.

Twenty-sixThirty-nine weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 compared to twenty-sixthirty-nine weeks ended February 26,May 28, 2005

     General.Net loss for the twenty-sixthirty-nine weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 was $14.0$1.1 million compared to net lossincome of $10.4$0.7 million for the twenty-sixthirty-nine weeks ended February 26,May 28, 2005, an increased lossa decrease in income of $3.6 million or 34.6%.$1.8 million. Sales and cost of sales were both higher in the twenty-sixthirty-nine weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 than those of the prior year period primarily due to an increase of approximately 1.4% in the number of cattle slaughtered, and an increase in live cattle weights of approximately 1.6%, combined with a slight increase in live cattle prices of approximately 4.5% resulting from the continued tight supplies of market-ready cattle, at average weights approximately0.1% and an approximate 1.0% higher than last year, combined with a slight increase of approximately 0.7% in the number of cattle processed. Average sales prices in boxed beef and beef productsper head. For the thirty-nine weeks ended May 27, 2006, cost of sales increased at a lesserhigher rate of 3.1% for the same period, indicative of the effect of the continued export market closures,than sales, negatively impacting gross margin for the twenty-sixthirty-nine weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 as compared to the same period in the prior year.

     Total costs and expenses of $2,187.3$3,290.4 million and $2,078.4$3,176.4 million for the twenty-sixthirty-nine weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 and February 26,May 28, 2005, respectively, were 100.5%99.4% as a percent of sales for the twenty-sixthirty-nine weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 compared to 100.0%99.1% for the twenty-sixthirty-nine weeks ended February 26,May 28, 2005. Tight suppliesThe first half of fiscal year 2006 was negatively impacted by the tightened supply of market-ready cattle; increased supply of market-ready cattle helped lower live cattle costs in the third quarter of fiscal year 2006. Lower plant capacity utilization in the first half of fiscal year 2006 combined with continued export market closures and lower plant capacity utilization contributed to a decline in gross margin, resulting in an increase inlower operating loss of $10.6 million.income for the thirty-nine weeks ended May 27, 2006.

     Net Sales. Net sales were $2,175.8$3,310.3 million for the twenty-sixthirty-nine weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 compared to $2,077.4$3,204.0 million for the twenty-sixthirty-nine weeks ended February 26,May 28, 2005, an increase of $98.4$106.3 million, or 4.7%3.3%. The increase resulted primarily from an increase in boxed beef and beef product prices of approximately 3.1% combined with a slight increase of approximately 0.7%1.4% in the number of cattle processedslaughtered, an increase in live cattle weights of approximately 1.6% and an approximate 1.0% increase in sales prices per head in the twenty-sixthirty-nine weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 at weights that averaged approximately 1.0% higher thancompared to the same period in the prior year. Sales prices improved due to an improved product sales mix and continued growth in value-added sales for the twenty-sixthirty-nine weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 as compared to February 26,May 28, 2005.

     Cost of Sales. Cost of sales was $2,155.3$3,241.2 million for the twenty-sixthirty-nine weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 compared to $2,048.8$3,131.7 million for the twenty-sixthirty-nine weeks ended February 26,May 28, 2005, an increase of $106.5$109.5 million, or 5.2%3.5%. The increase resulted primarily from a 4.5%an approximate 1.4% increase in the number of cattle slaughtered, and an increase in live cattle prices resulting from a continued tightened supplyweights of market-ready cattle,approximately 1.6%, combined with a slight increase in the number oflive cattle processed from 2005prices of approximately 0.7% and an increase0.1%. The first half of fiscal year 2006 was negatively impacted by the tightened supply of market-ready cattle; increased supply of market-ready cattle helped lower live cattle costs in average live weightsthe third quarter of approximately 1.0%.fiscal year 2006.

     Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $18.6$28.6 million for the twenty-sixthirty-nine weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 compared to $17.6$26.5 million for the twenty-sixthirty-nine weeks ended February 26,May 28, 2005, an increase of $1.0$2.1 million, or 5.7%7.9%, which is primarily due to an increase in payroll and benefit expenses of approximately $1.5 million, and an approximate $1.1 million increase in marketing expense and travel expense associated with supporting two new marketing programs, increased travel associated in part with the Brawley Beef acquisition negotiations, and also from increased fuel costs; partially offset by an approximate $1.0 million.million decrease in bad debt reserve resulting from miscellaneous recoveries.

     Depreciation and Amortization Expense. Depreciation and amortization expenses were $13.5$20.6 million for the twenty-sixthirty-nine weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 compared to $12.1$18.2 million for the twenty-sixthirty-nine weeks ended February 26,May 28, 2005, an increase of $1.4$2.4 million, or 11.6%13.2%. Depreciation expense increased due largely to assets being placed into service, primarily at the Dodge City and Liberal beef plants, during the third and fourth quartersquarter of fiscal year 2005 and the first, second and secondthird quarters of fiscal year 2006.

     Operating LossIncome. Operating lossincome was $11.6$19.9 million for the twenty-sixthirty-nine weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 compared to an operating loss of $1.0$27.6 million for the twenty-sixthirty-nine weeks ended February 26,May 28, 2005, ana decrease of $7.7 million, or 27.9%. The first half of fiscal year 2006 was negatively impacted by the tightened supply of market-ready cattle; increased loss of $10.6 million. The increased loss resulted primarily from a continued tight supply of market-ready cattle closurehelped lower live cattle costs in the third quarter of export markets and lowerfiscal year 2006. Lower plant capacity utilization.utilization in the first half of fiscal year 2006 combined with continued export market closures contributed to a decline in gross margin, resulting in lower operating income for the thirty-nine weeks ended May 27, 2006.

     Interest Expense. Interest expense was $15.2$23.2 million for the twenty-sixthirty-nine weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 compared to $14.5$21.8 million for the twenty-sixthirty-nine weeks ended February 26,May 28, 2005, an increase of $0.7$1.4 million, or 4.8%6.4%. The increase was due primarily to higher interest rates on our variable rate debt, partially offset by an averagea decrease in average revolver borrowings for the twenty-sixthirty-nine weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006, as compared to the same period in fiscal year 2005.

     Other, net.Other, net non-operating income was $1.2$2.0 million for the twenty-sixthirty-nine weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 compared to non-operating expense of $2.5$2.1 million for the twenty-sixthirty-nine ended February 26,May 28, 2005, a changean increase in income of $3.7 million, or 148.0%.$4.1 million. The twenty-sixthirty-nine weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 included $0.6 million in income we received for a settlement of a lawsuit related to corrugated packaging materials and $0.4 million in patronage income received, and the same period for fiscal year 2005 included $3.2 million in expense for the write-off of unamortized loan costs associated with amending and restating theNBP’s existing senior credit facility.

Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense was $1.2$1.0 million for the twenty-sixthirty-nine weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 compared to $1.1$1.9 million for the twenty-sixthirty-nine weeks ended February 26,May 28, 2005, an increasea decrease of $0.1$0.9 million, or 9.1%47.4%. Income tax expense isdecreased due to lower income recorded on income fromby National Carriers, Inc., a subsidiary of NBP, which is organized as a C Corporation.Corporation, in the current period compared to the same period last year.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

     As of February 25,May 27, 2006, we had net working capital of $159.8$178.1 million, which included $0.3$1.9 million in distributions payable, and cash and cash equivalents of $47.0$49.5 million, including $3.9$4.0 million restricted to IRB approved expenditures. As of August 27, 2005, we had net working capital of $178.6 million, which included $1.9 million in distributions payable, and cash and cash equivalents of $54.4 million, including $3.9 million restricted to IRB approved expenditures. Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations and available borrowings under NBP’s amended and restated credit facility.

     As of February 25,May 27, 2006, we had $331.5$329.5 million of long-term debt, of which $1.8$3.0 million was classified as a current liability. As of February 25,May 27, 2006, NBP’s fourth amended and restated credit facility consisted of a $120.0 million term loan, all of which was outstanding, and a $140.0 million revolving line of credit loan, which had outstanding borrowings of $28.0$22.3 million, outstanding letters of credit of $43.5$44.5 million and available borrowings of $45.7$66.9 million, based on the most restrictive financial covenant calculations. Cash flow from operations and borrowings under NBP’s amended and restated credit facility have funded its working capital requirements, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes.NBPpurposes. NBP was in compliance with all of the financial covenants under its amended and restated credit facility as of February 25,May 27, 2006.

     In addition to outstanding borrowings under the amended and restated credit facility, the Company had outstanding senior notes of $160.0 million, borrowings under industrial revenue bonds of $13.8 million, a term loan with CoBank, of which $5.7$5.4 million was outstanding, and a capital leaseleases of $4.0$8.0 million as of May 27, 2006.

      Amended and Restated Senior Credit Facilities

Effective May 30, 2006, and related to the purchase of the assets of Brawley Beef, more fully described inRecent Developments above, USPB amended its Credit Agreement to provide for the acquisition of limited partnership units in National Beef California, L.P. and the contribution of those partnership units to NBP in exchange for an increased ownership percentage (see Note 9. Subsequent Events).

Effective June 1, 2006, and related to the purchase of the assets of Brawley Beef, more fully described inRecent Developments above, NBP amended and restated its existing senior credit facility with a consortium of banks. The facility now consists of a $170.0 million term loan that matures in May 2016 and a $160.0 million revolving line of credit loan that matures in May 2011 that is subject to certain borrowing base limitations. This amendment and restatement is within the scope of the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) 96-19,Debtor’s Accounting for a Modification or Exchange of Debt Instruments as well as EITF 98-14,Debtor’s Accounting for Changes in Line-of-Credit or Revolving-Debt Arrangements. In accordance with that guidance, a portion of the unamortized loan costs from the previous credit facility as well as additional finance and legal charges associated with the new amended and restated credit facility will be written off during the Company’s fourth quarter of fiscal year 2006. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the guidance on the costs and charges. At the closing of the amended and restated credit facility, NBP had outstanding $170.0 million under the term loan and $21.1 million under the revolving loan with an additional $51.6 million of the revolving loan used in the form of letters of credit and had estimated available borrowings of $76.5 million based on the most restrictive financial covenant calculations.

     The borrowings under the revolving loan are available for NBP’s working capital requirements, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. The amended and restated credit facility is secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of NBP’s assets. The principal amount outstanding under the term loan shall be payable in semi-annual installments on the last business day of each June and December commencing June 30, 2011 in equal installments of approximately $2.8 million, with any and all remaining principal outstanding being due and payable on the maturity date. Prepayment is allowed at any time.

     The amended and restated credit facility imposes certain financial covenants. From May 30, 2006 until the earlier of February 25, 2006.28, 2007 or the Conversion Date, NBP is required to (i) have as of the end of each fiscal quarter a minimum four-quarter rolling EBITDA of $50.0 million and (ii) maintain at all times a minimum Borrowing Base Availability (as defined in the credit agreement) of at least $25.0 million. After February 28, 2007 until the Conversion date, NBP is required to (i) have as of the end of each fiscal quarter a minimum four-quarter rolling EBITDA of $60.0 million and (ii) maintain at all times a minimum Borrowing Base Availability of at least $25.0 million. After the Conversion Date, NBP is required to maintain at all times a specified maximum funded debt to EBITDA ratio, a maximum senior secured funded debt to EBITDA ratio, a minimum four-quarter rolling EBITDA and a minimum four-quarter rolling debt service coverage ratio. In addition, NBP’s annual net capital expenditures are limited to $48 million in fiscal year 2006 and $50 million in each of the fiscal years thereafter.

     The amended and restated credit facility contains customary affirmative covenants, including furnishing financial statements, maintenance of insurance, conduct of business, maintenance of properties, and compliance with laws. The facility also contains customary negative covenants, including covenants restricting NBP’s ability to pay certain distributions, incur additional indebtedness, merge with another entity, sell or dispose assets, and make investments or acquire assets, among other restrictions.

     We believe that available borrowings under the amended and restated credit facility and cash provided by operating activities will be sufficient to support working capital, capital expenditures and debt service requirements for the foreseeable future. Our ability to generate sufficient cash, however, is subject to certain general economic, financial, industry, legislative, regulatory and other factors beyond our control. For a review of our obligations that affect liquidity, please see theCash Payment Obligations table in Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 27, 2005.

      Operating Activities

     Net cash usedprovided by operating activities in the twenty-sixthirty-nine weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 was $2.2$14.0 million compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $19.1$24.2 million in the twenty-sixthirty-nine weeks ended February 26,May 28, 2005. The $21.3$10.2 million decrease was primarily due to an increase in working capital requirements in the current period resulting from increased cattle pricesbeef inventory volumes partially offset by lower beef inventory volumes,live cattle prices, combined with a larger net loss in the current year compared to net income in the same period last year.

      Investing Activities

     Net cash used in investing activities was $15.7$22.6 million in the twenty-sixthirty-nine weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 compared to $9.2$12.6 million in the twenty-sixthirty-nine weeks ended February 26,May 28, 2005. This increase in cash used was primarily attributable to an increase in expenditures for property, plant and equipment related to improving operating efficiencies, the majority of which occuredprimarily at our LiberalDodge City and Dodge CityLiberal facilities in the current year.

      Financing Activities

     Net cash provided by financing activities was $10.5$3.7 million in the twenty-sixthirty-nine weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 and February 26,compared to net cash used in financing activities of $12.5 million in the thirty-nine weeks ended May 28, 2005. AsThe change was primarily attributed to a $17.1 million difference in the thirty-nine week change of fiscal year 2006 as compared to the thirty-nine week change in fiscal year ago period, overdraft balances decreased $3.9 million, partially2005 in revolving credit borrowings, offset by a $2.4 million decrease in the overdraft balance in the current year, combined with $1.7 million reduction in cash paid forof financing costs and lower member distributions of $1.5 million.

      Amended and Restated Senior Credit Facility

     NBP’s amended and restated credit facility contains a provision for a conversion to potentially more favorable interest rates and more restrictive financial covenants on the earlier of (a) June 1, 2006 or (b) the election of NBP (the Conversion Date). At the election of NBP, interest may be computed at the Base Rate (as definedpaid in the credit agreement) plus an applicable margin or a LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin. As of February 25, 2006, the interest rate for the term loan was equal to LIBOR plus 275 basis points (7.3%) and the weighted average interest rate for the revolving loan was equal to a combination of LIBOR plus 250 basis points (7.1%). After the Conversion Date, the interest rate for the term loan and the revolving loan will be determined by reference to a matrix of rates keyed to NBP’s funded debt to EBITDA (as defined in the credit agreement) ratio. As of February 25, 2006, we had not elected to exercise our option regarding the Conversion Date.

     The amended and restated credit facility also imposes certain financial covenants. From December 30, 2004 until the Conversion Date, NBP is required to (i) have as of the end of each fiscal quarter a minimum four-quarter rolling EBITDA of $50.0 million and (ii) maintain at all times a minimum Borrowing Base Availability (as defined in the credit agreement) of at least $25.0 million. As defined in the amended and restated credit facility, EBITDA contains specified adjustments. NBP was in compliance with all of the financial covenants under its amended and restated credit facility as of February 25, 2006.

After the Conversion Date, NBP will be subject to the following financial covenants:

(i)      A maximum Funded Debt to EBITDA Ratio (as defined in the credit agreement), as follows:

(iv)      A minimum four-quarter rolling Debt Service Coverage Ratio (as defined in the credit agreement) of 2.00 to 1.00.

Effective October 14, 2005, the amended senior credit facility was further amended to reflect changes in the covenant limiting NBP’s net capital expenditures. There were no changes to the remaining covenants in the credit facility. NBP’s net capital expenditures are now limited to amounts in each period as follows: $64 million in the combined period of FYE 2005 and FYE 2006, $35 million in FYE 2007 and $40 million in FYE 2008 and fiscal years thereafter. Prior to this amendment, FYE 2005 and FYE 2006 were separately limited to $32 million each year.

Given the current U.S. beef industry conditions, there is uncertainty as to whether NBP will be in compliance with the more restrictive covenants after the Conversion Date, which are initially effective with NBP’s 2006 fiscal year end. To address this uncertainty, the Company has been in discussions with the banks associated with the amended and restated credit facility, and the Company is considering different options, such as amending the more restrictive financial covenants or obtaining waivers to those covenants, as appropriate. However, no arrangements have been made and there can be no guarantee that NBP will be able to obtain such amendments or waivers by our 2006 fiscal year end.2005.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The principal market risks affecting our business are exposure to changes in prices for commodities, such as livestock and boxed beef, and interest rate risk.

     Commodities.NBP uses various raw materials, many of which are commodities. Raw materials are generally available from several different sources, and NBP presently believes that it can obtain them as needed. Commodities are subject to price fluctuations that may create price risk. When appropriate, NBP may hedge commodities in order to mitigate this price risk. While this may tend to limit NBP’s ability to participate in gains from commodity price fluctuations, it also tends to reduce the risk of loss from changes in commodity prices. NBP reflects commodity contract gains and losses as adjustments to the basis of underlying commodities purchased; gains or losses are recognized in the statement of operations as a component of costs of goods sold.

     NBP purchases cattle for use in its processing businesses. When appropriate, NBP enters into forward purchase contracts at prices determined prior to the delivery of the cattle. The commodity price risk associated with these activities can be hedged by selling (or buying) the underlying commodity, or by using an appropriate commodity derivative instrument. The particular hedging instrument NBP uses depends on a number of factors, including availability of appropriate derivative instruments.

     NBP sells commodity beef products in its business. Commodity beef products are subject to price fluctuations that may create price risk. When appropriate, NBP enters into forward sales contracts at prices determined prior to shipment. We may hedge the commodity price risk associated with these activities in order to mitigate this price risk. While this may tend to limit NBP’s ability to participate in gains from commodity price fluctuations, it also tends to reduce the risk of loss from changes in commodity beef prices. NBP reflects commodity contract gains and losses as adjustments to the basis of underlying commodities sold; gains or losses are recognized in the statement of operations as a component of net sales.

     NBP may use futures contracts in order to reduce exposure associated with entering into firm commitments to purchase live cattle at prices determined prior to delivery of the cattle as well as firm commitments to sell certain beef products at sales prices determined prior to shipment. In accordance with SFAS No. 133.Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended, NBP accounts for futures contracts and their related firm commitments at fair value. Most firm commitments for boxed beef sales are treated as “normal purchases and sales” and not marked to market. SFAS No. 133 imposes extensive recordkeeping requirements in order to treat a derivative instrument as a hedge for accounting purposes. Derivatives qualify for treatment as hedges when there is a high correlation between the change in fair value of the instrument and the related change in fair value of the underlying commitment. For derivatives that qualify as effective hedges, the change in fair value has no net effect on earnings until the hedged transaction affects earnings. For derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments, or for the ineffective portion of a hedging instrument, the change in fair value does affect current period net earnings.

While management believes each of these instruments help mitigate various market risks, they are not designated and accounted for as hedges under SFAS No. 133 as a result of the extensive recordkeeping requirements of this statement. Accordingly, the gains and losses associated with the change in fair value of the instrument and the offsetting gains and losses associated with changes in the market value of certain of the firm commitments related to the futures contracts are recorded to income and expense in the period of change.

     NBP uses a sensitivity analysis to evaluate the effect that changes in the market value of commodities will have on these commodity derivative instruments. As of February 25,May 27, 2006, the potential change in fair value of applicable commodity prices, assuming a hypothetical 10% decrease in the underlying commodity price, was $10.9$12.1 million. As of August 25, 2005, the potential change in fair value of applicable commodity prices, assuming a hypothetical 10% decrease in the underlying commodity price, was negligible.

     Interest Rates.As a result of the Company’s normal borrowing and leasing activities, our operating results are exposed to fluctuations in interest rates, which we manage primarily through our regular financing activities. We generally maintain limited investments in cash and cash equivalents.

     We have long-term debt with variable interest rates. Short-term debt is primarily comprised of the current portion of long-term debt maturing twelve months from the balance sheet date. Our variable interest expense is sensitive to changes in the general level of interest rates.

      Our exposure to interest rate risk has not materially changed since August 27, 2005.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

     We maintain a system of controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance as to the reliability of the Consolidated Financial Statements and other disclosures included in this report, as well as to safeguard assets from unauthorized use or disposition. We evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Reporting and Compliance Officer. Based upon that evaluation, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Reporting and Compliance Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in alerting them, in a timely manner, to material information required to be included in our periodic Securities and Exchange Commission filings. There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the thirteen weeks ended February 25,May 27, 2006 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. The design of any system of controls and procedures is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

     For information regarding legal proceedings, see Note 5.Contingencies to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I-Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

     The risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 27, 2005 have not materially changed. Please refer to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the periodfiscal year ended August 27, 2005 to consider those risk factors.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

     None.For information regarding the issuance of units by the Company in connection with the acquisition of assets of Brawley Beef, seeManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Recent Developments above. A total of 44,160 Class A Units and 44,160 Class B Units were issued to Brawley Beef at an agreed estimated valuation of $7.3 million. The units were issued pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

      None.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

      None.

Item 5. Other Information

     NBP may purchase a portion of its outstanding Senior Notes from time to time in accordance with the limits imposed under its senior credit facility.

Item 6. Exhibits

(A) Exhibits

* The Contribution Agreements in Exhibits 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 contain Schedules and Exhibits that the Company hereby agrees to furnish supplementally to the SEC upon its request.

SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Date: April 6,July 10, 2006

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