KANSAS CITY — Citing a declining supply of fed cattle, National Beef Packing Co. has announced plans to close its Brawley, Calif., beef processing facility in April. Approximately 1,300 employees will be affected by the closing.

“This was a very difficult decision for us to make because of the impact on our employees and suppliers,” said Tim Klein, chief executive officer of National Beef. “We are optimistic about the long-term prospects for U.S. beef demand and we will continue to focus on expanding our position as the industry leader in value-added beef products.”

National Beef has not determined the future status of the facility, which it acquired in 2006.

With approximately 8,900 employees and operations in Kansas, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Missouri, National Beef processes and markets fresh beef, case-ready beef, beef byproducts and wet-blue leather for domestic and global markets.