UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K

(Mark one)

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016

or

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)

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No☑

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No☑

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. Yes☑ No☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☑ No ☐

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.☑

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large Accelerated Filer ☐ Accelerated Filer ☐ Non-Accelerated Filer ☑ Smaller Reporting Company ☐

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

The registrant’s equity is not traded on any exchange or other public market; however, there have been private transactions. As of February 25, 2017, there were 735,385 Class A units and 755,385 Class B units outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

None

LOCATION OF EXHIBIT INDEX

The index of exhibits is contained in Part IV on page 42.

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MARKET AND INDUSTRY DATA AND FORECASTS

Market data and certain industry forecasts used throughout this report were obtained from internal surveys, market research, consultant surveys, publicly available information and industry publications and surveys. Industry surveys, publications, consultant surveys and forecasts generally state that the information contained therein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but that the accuracy and completeness of such information is not guaranteed. We have not independently verified any of the data from third-party sources nor have we ascertained the underlying economic assumptions relied upon therein. Similarly, internal surveys, industry forecasts and market research, which we believe to be reliable, based upon our management’s knowledge of the industry, have not been independently verified. Forecasts are particularly likely to be inaccurate, especially over long periods of time. In addition, we do not know what assumptions regarding general economic growth were used in preparing the forecasts we cite.

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.

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 Item 1A, Risk Factors, included in this report, for other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any such forward-looking statements.

Unless the context indicates or otherwise requires, the terms “the Company”, “we”, “USPB”, “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 (FNB)), a Delaware limited liability company. As used in this report, the terms “fiscal year” or “fiscal year ended” refers to our fiscal year which ends on the last Saturday in December.

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PART I

ITEM 1.          BUSINESS

BUSINESS OF U.S. PREMIUM BEEF, LLC

Overview

U.S. Premium Beef (USPB or the Company) was formed as a closed marketing cooperative on July 1, 1996. Its mission is to increase the quality of beef and long-term profitability of cattle producers by creating a fully integrated producer-owned beef processing system that is a global supplier of high quality, value-added beef products responsive to consumer desires. USPB operates an integrated cattle processing and beef marketing enterprise where consumer and processor demands and requirements are implemented through changes in genetics, feeding, and management. USPB’s unitholders benefit from its supplier alliance with National Beef Packing Company, LLC (NBP) through (i) premiums received in excess of cash market prices for higher quality cattle, (ii) allocations of profits and potential distributions, (iii) potential unit price appreciation, and (iv) information that permits unitholders to make informed production decisions.

Effective August 29, 2004, the cooperative restructured into a limited liability company (LLC) under Delaware law (Conversion). The business of USPB, the cooperative, is being continued in the LLC form of business organization.

As USPB filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with its 2004 Conversion from the cooperative form of business organization to an LLC structure, USPB is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act), although USPB is not required to be registered under the Exchange Act. Accordingly, USPB files periodic reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Such reports, proxy statements and other information may be obtained by visiting the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549 or by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet site (www.sec.gov) that contains reports and information statements and other information regarding USPB and other issuers that file electronically.

On December 5, 2011, USPB entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement with Leucadia National Corporation (Leucadia). The Purchase Agreement provided for Leucadia to purchase 56.2415% of the membership interests in NBP (National Interests) from the Company for approximately $646.8 million (Leucadia Transaction), which closed on December 30, 2011. Following the close, USPB owned 15.0729% of NBP’s membership interests.

Due to the sale to Leucadia, beginning on December 31, 2011, USPB’s investment in NBP will be accounted for using the equity method of accounting as the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but does not have financial or operational control. Since USPB no longer has financial or operational control, NBP’s financial information will no longer be consolidated with USPB’s. NBP’s financial statements and footnotes will instead be attached as an exhibit to USPB’s 10-K.

Products and Production

USPB provides an integrated cattle production, processing and marketing system for the benefit of its unitholders and associates. As the basis of that system, USPB’s unitholders have a guaranteed right plus an obligation (on a one head per Class A unit per delivery year basis) to deliver cattle to USPB, pursuant to the Uniform Cattle Delivery and Marketing Agreement (see Cattle Delivery Arrangements). USPB facilitates the delivery of cattle to NBP for processing and subsequent product distribution and marketing. Shortly after the cattle are processed, cattle suppliers receive, at no extra charge, individual animal carcass data previously considered proprietary by many processors. This carcass data assists producers in refining production methodologies, thereby improving the product quality and subsequently enhancing the return to the producer.

We believe the primary advantage of USPB’s ownership in NBP centers around USPB’s ability to provide NBP with a consistent supply of quality beef from a verified source, allowing NBP to target higher margin value-added markets. Consumers have historically demonstrated their willingness and desire to buy branded products that offer better value in other consumer product markets, with the Certified Angus Beef^® product line being an example in the beef industry.

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Cattle Producers’ Uniform Cattle Delivery and Marketing Agreements

USPB facilitates the delivery of cattle from its Class A unitholders and associates to NBP. Each Class A unitholder is required to enter into a Uniform Cattle Delivery and Marketing Agreement (Delivery Agreement) with the Company whereby the unitholder is committed to deliver a designated number of cattle on an annual basis. Each Class A unit held by a unitholder entitles and obligates that unitholder to deliver one head of cattle per delivery year to USPB. The Delivery Agreements are for a term of 5 years with an “evergreen” renewal provision that automatically renews annually in the beginning of USPB’s delivery year for a subsequent five year period. These arrangements are described in greater detail in Cattle Delivery Arrangements.

Company Background

USPB was originally organized as a tax exempt cooperative within the meaning of Section 521(b)(l) of the Internal Revenue Code. The cooperative began operations on December 1, 1997, when the cooperative acquired its initial interest in Farmland National Beef, now known as National Beef Packing Company, LLC. In connection with the cooperative’s purchase of its interest in Farmland National Beef, the cooperative owned the right and was subject to the obligation to deliver cattle annually to NBP. That arrangement continues following the Conversion. Under that arrangement, USPB has delivered more than 13.3 million head of cattle to NBP for processing since it commenced deliveries.

On August 6, 2003, USPB became the majority owner in NBP.

On August 18, 2004, the shareholders of U.S. Premium Beef, Ltd. approved the conversion of the cooperative into a Delaware LLC. Under the new ownership structure, each share of common stock of the cooperative was converted to one unit of Class A interest and one unit of Class B interest. The Class A and Class B units can be transferred separately.

On December 5, 2011, USPB entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement with Leucadia National Corporation (Leucadia). The Purchase Agreement provided for Leucadia to purchase 56.2415% of the membership interests in NBP (National Interests) from the Company for approximately $646.8 million. The Leucadia Transaction closed on December 30, 2011. Following the close, USPB owned 15.0729% of NBP’s membership interests.

In connection with its approval of the Purchase Agreement, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a change to the Company’s fiscal year, which became effective upon closing. The Leucadia Transaction closed on December 30, 2011 and the Company’s fiscal year-end changed from the last Saturday in August to the last Saturday in December.

Employees

USPB has seven employees as of December 31, 2016. The complexity of USPB’s obligations under its various contracts with NBP require USPB to retain the services of key senior management personnel with the experience, skill and expertise necessary to manage an enterprise competitive with other sophisticated participants in the beef and meat industries. Each employee is compensated through the payment of a base salary with management being eligible for incentive and discretionary bonuses. In addition, each employee is eligible to participate in benefits programs maintained by USPB. These programs include group medical insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance and similar programs.

USPB’s employees are not unionized and USPB believes that its relationship with its employees is good.

Governmental Regulation and Environmental Matters

The Company does not operate any processing facilities itself and is therefore not subject to federal and state regulations relating to grading of animals, quality control, labeling, sanitary control and waste disposal.

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Operational activities are conducted through NBP and significant efforts with respect to governmental and environmental regulation are conducted by NBP. See Business of National Beef Packing Company, LLC -Regulation and Environmental.

Sales, Marketing, and Customers

NBP is the only beef processor that USPB has a cattle delivery agreement with. The ultimate customers of and the market for the products resulting from the processing of cattle supplied by USPB’s unitholders and associates are described in Business of National Beef Packing Company, LLC.

Beef Industry, Markets, and Competition

As indicated above, USPB’s business activities are focused on facilitating the delivery of cattle produced by its Class A unitholders and associates to NBP. Information regarding the beef industry, the market for beef and beef products and competition within the beef industry are described in Business of National Beef Packing Company, LLC.

Intellectual Property

USPB maintains a federally registered trademark on a U.S. Premium Beef logo that it uses periodically.

Research and Development

USPB does not conduct any research and development activities.

CATTLE DELIVERY ARRANGEMENTS

Cattle Producers’ Uniform Cattle Delivery and Marketing Agreements and Payments to Unitholders and Associates for Cattle

USPB facilitates the delivery of cattle from its Class A unitholders and associates to NBP. Each Class A unitholder is required to enter into a Uniform Cattle Delivery and Marketing Agreement (Delivery Agreement) with the Company whereby the unitholder is committed to deliver a designated number of cattle on an annual basis. Each Class A unit held by a unitholder entitles and obligates that unitholder to deliver one head of cattle per delivery year to USPB. The Delivery Agreements are for a term of 5 years with an “evergreen” renewal provision that automatically renews annually in the beginning of USPB’s delivery year for a subsequent five year period.

Cattle delivered by USPB’s unitholders and associates are delivered to NBP for processing (NBP is the only beef processor that USPB has a cattle delivery agreement with). The resulting beef and beef products are marketed by NBP. Each unitholder or associate is paid for the cattle delivered to USPB based on a market-based purchase price that is subject to the agreements between USPB and NBP.

Pursuant to the Uniform Cattle Delivery and Marketing Agreement, payment for cattle is based on the individual carcass quality of cattle delivered. As a limited liability company, allocations of profits and losses and potential distributions are not tied to cattle delivery, but rather to the number of Class A and Class B units held and the respective rights of those units.

BUSINESS OF NATIONAL BEEF PACKING COMPANY, LLC

General

NBP is one of the largest beef processing companies in the U.S., accounting for approximately 12.5% of the fed cattle slaughter market. NBP processes and markets fresh and chilled boxed beef, ground beef, beef byproducts, consumer ready beef and pork, and wet blue leather for domestic and international markets. Based in Kansas City, Missouri, NBP had approximately 8,140 employees at December 31, 2016 and generated total revenues of $7.0 billion in 2016.

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The largest share of NBP’s revenue, about 91%, is generated from the sale of boxed beef products. NBP also generates revenues through value-added production with its consumer-ready products. In addition, NBP operates one of the largest wet blue tanning facilities in the world (wet blue tanning refers to the first step in processing raw and brine-cured hides into tanned leather), selling processed hides to tanners that produce finished leather for the automotive, luxury goods, apparel and furniture industries. Other streams of revenue include sales through its subsidiary, Kansas City Steak Company, LLC, which sells portioned beef and other products to customers in the food service and retail channels, as well as direct to consumers through internet, direct mail and direct response television, and service revenues generated by National Carriers, Inc., a wholly owned transportation and logistics company that is one of the largest refrigerated and livestock carrier operations in the U.S. and transports products for NBP and a variety of other customers. NBP’s profitability typically fluctuates seasonally as well as cyclically, with relatively higher margins in the spring and summer months and during times of ample cattle availability.

Beef Processing Services

NBP’s profitability is dependent, in large part, on the spread between its cost for live cattle, the primary raw material for its business, and the value received from selling boxed beef and other products coupled with its overall volume. NBP operates in a large and liquid commodity market and it does not have much influence over the price it pays for cattle or the selling price it receives for the products it produces. NBP’s profitability typically fluctuates seasonally with relatively higher margins in the spring and summer months and during times of ample cattle availability.

Revenues in 2016 decreased about 5% in comparison to 2015, due to lower average selling prices for beef and beef by-products, partially offset by an increase in the number of cattle processed. Revenues in 2015 decreased about 5% in comparison to 2014, due to lower sales volume, as fewer cattle were processed, and lower average selling prices for beef and beef by-products. Additionally, during 2015, decreases to revenues of $52.9 million were recorded as a result of NBP's use of derivatives in its hedging activity. For 2016, cost of sales declined 11% as compared to 2015, due to a decrease in the price of fed cattle, partially offset by an increase in volume. For 2015, cost of sales declined 5% as compared to 2014, due to fewer cattle processed, and a decrease in the price of cattle.

For 2016, the combined effects of increased margin per head and an increase in volume led to record high profitability. For 2015, the combined effects of both lower volumes and tighter margins due to the relative price of cattle compared to the selling price of beef and beef by-products impacted margins leading to reduced profitability compared to 2014. During 2015, NBP recorded an impairment loss on property, plant and equipment located at its Brawley, California facility of approximately $4.7 million to adjust the carrying value of the long-lived assets to its fair value. Also in connection with closing the Brawley facility, NBP recognized $6.9 million of costs including employee separation and retention, systems decommissioning and various other expenses in 2014. Of these amounts, $4.6 million related to employee separation, which is included in Compensation and benefits, and the various other costs are included in Selling, general and other expenses.

Sales and Marketing

NBP markets its products to national and regional retailers, including supermarket chains, independent grocers, club stores, wholesalers and distributors, food service providers, further processors and the U.S. military. In addition, NBP sells beef by-products to the medical, feed processing, fertilizer and pet food industries. NBP exports products to more than 20 countries; in 2016 export sales represented approximately 10.8% of revenues. The demand for beef is generally strongest in the spring and summer months and generally decreases during the winter months.

NBP emphasizes the sale of higher-margin, value-added products, which include branded boxed beef, consumer-ready beef and pork, portion control beef and wet blue hides. NBP believes its value-added products can command higher prices than commodity products because of NBP’s ability to consistently meet product specifications, based on quality, trim, weight, size, breed or other factors, tailored to the needs of its customers. In addition to the value-added brands that NBP owns, NBP licenses the use of Certified Angus Beef®, a registered trademark of Certified Angus Beef LLC, and Certified Hereford Beef®, a registered trademark of Certified Hereford Beef LLC.

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Raw Materials and Procurement

The primary raw material for the beef processing plants is live cattle. Live cattle prices change daily based on supply and demand for beef and other proteins, cattle inventory levels, weather and other factors. NBP’s two largest beef processing facilities are located in southwest Kansas. The primary market area for the purchase of cattle for those facilities includes Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma. A significant portion of USPB’s unitholders and associates are located in this area. The close proximity of NBP’s facilities to large supplies of cattle gives its buyers the ability to visit feedlots on a regular basis, which enables NBP to develop strong working relationships with its suppliers, reduces its reliance on any one cattle supplier and lowers in-bound transportation costs.

On December 30, 2011, NBP entered into a new Cattle Purchase and Sale Agreement with USPB. Per the terms and conditions of the Agreement, NBP is required to purchase through USPB from its owners and associates, and USPB is required to sell and deliver from its owners and associates to NBP, a base amount of 735,385 (subject to adjustment) head of cattle per year. The purchase price for the cattle is determined by pricing grids, which, at all times, are required to be no less favorable than any other pricing grid being utilized by NBP and the pricing grid shall be competitive with NBP’s major competitors for the purchase of cattle. NBP believes the pricing grids are based on terms that could be obtained from an unaffiliated party. The cattle supply agreement extends through December 31, 2017, with automatic, but optional one year extensions on each December 30, unless either party provides a notice not to extend sixty days prior to the annual anniversary date. NBP also purchased additional cattle from certain USPB unitholders and associates outside of the cattle supply agreement.

During fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, USPB’s owners and associates provided approximately 27%, 28% and 23%, respectively, of NBP’s total cattle requirements.

Processing Facilities

NBP owns two beef processing facilities located in Liberal and Dodge City, Kansas, which can each process approximately 6,000 cattle per day. NBP’s three consumer-ready facilities are in Hummels Wharf, Pennsylvania, Moultrie, Georgia and Kansas City, Kansas. NBP’s wet blue tanning facility is in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Competition

Competitive conditions exist both in the purchase of live cattle, as well as in the sale of beef products. Beef products compete with other protein sources, including pork and poultry, but NBP’s principal competition comes from other beef processors. NBP believes the principal competitive factors in the beef processing industry are price, quality, food safety, customer service, product distribution, technological innovations (such as food safety interventions and packaging technologies) and brand loyalty. Some of NBP’s competitors have substantially larger beef operations, greater financial and other resources and wider brand recognition for their products.

Regulation and Environmental

NBP’s operations are subject to extensive regulation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) including its Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and its Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other federal, state, local and foreign authorities regarding the processing, packaging, storage, safety, distribution, advertising and labeling of its products.

NBP is subject to the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 (PSA). Among other things, this statute generally requires NBP to make full payment for livestock purchases not later than the close of business the day after the purchase and transfer of possession or determination of the purchase price. Under the PSA, NBP must hold in trust for the benefit of unpaid livestock suppliers all receivables, inventory and proceeds derived from NBP’s sale of such cattle until the sellers have received full payment. In addition, pursuant to PSA rules, at December 31, 2016, NBP has obtained from an insurance company a surety bond in the amount of $50.4 million as a measure of protection for livestock sellers.

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The Dodge City and Liberal facilities are subject to Title V permitting pursuant to the Federal Clean Air Act and the Kansas Air Quality Act. The St. Joseph facility is subject to a secondary air permit which is in place. The Dodge City, Liberal, Hummels Wharf and Moultrie facilities are subject to Clean Air Act Risk Management Plan requirements relating to the use of ammonia as a refrigerant.

All of NBP’s plants are indirect dischargers of wastewater to publicly owned treatment works and are subject to requirements under the federal Clean Water Act, state and municipal laws, as well as agreements or permits with municipal or county authorities. Upon renewal of these agreements and permits, NBP is from time to time required to make capital expenditures to upgrade or expand wastewater treatment facilities to address new and more stringent discharge requirements imposed at the time of renewal. Storm water discharges from NBP’s plants are also regulated by state and local authorities.

All of NBP’s facilities generate solid waste streams including small quantities of hazardous wastes. NBP is subject to laws that provide for strict, and in certain circumstances, joint and several liability for remediation of hazardous substances at contaminated sites; however, NBP has not received any demands that it has any liability at sites under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (Superfund) or state counterparts. All plants are subject to community right to know reporting requirements under the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, which requires yearly filings as to the substances used on facility premises.

Employees

Of NBP’s 8,140 employees, about 5,325 are represented by collective bargaining agreements. About 2,265 employees at the Liberal plant are represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union under a collective bargaining agreement scheduled to expire in December 2017, 2,475 employees at the Dodge City plant are represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union under a collective bargaining agreement scheduled to expire in December 2021, and another 225 employees at the St. Joseph plant are represented by the United Cereal Workers (R.W.D.S.U./U.F.C.W) under a collective bargaining agreement scheduled to expire in June 2019.

ITEM 1A.     RISK FACTORS

As described throughout this document, USPB’s business involves the operation of an integrated cattle processing and beef marketing enterprise in which USPB’s unitholders and associates supply cattle that are processed at the facilities owned and operated by NBP. NBP markets and distributes the beef and beef products produced from both cattle supplied by USPB’s unitholders and associates and other cattle purchased by NBP from other sources. The financial results of NBP’s operations therefore are the single largest influence on USPB’s financial performance. Consequently, those factors and risks that impact the performance of NBP’s business have a direct and immediate influence on USPB’s performance. However, there are also some risks that are unique to USPB. This Risk Factors section is divided into two parts, with one subsection focusing on the risk factors that influence the performance of NBP and another subsection discussing certain risk factors that are directly applicable to USPB.

USPB’s business operations and the implementation of our business strategy are subject to significant risks inherent in our business, including, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties described below. The occurrence of any one or more of the risks or uncertainties described below could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. While we believe we have identified and discussed below the key risk factors affecting our business, there may be additional risks and uncertainties that are not presently known or that are not currently believed to be significant that may adversely affect our business, operations, industry, financial position, and financial performance in the future.

Risk Factors Associated With Operations of NBP

The prices and availability of key raw materials affects the profitability of its beef processing and manufacturing operations.

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The supply and market price of cattle purchased by NBP are dependent upon a variety of factors over which NBP has no control, including fluctuations in the size of herds maintained by producers, the relative cost of feed and energy, weather and livestock diseases. A decline in the supply of fed cattle available for NBP’s Brawley facility was a key factor in the 2013 decision to close the Brawley plant. The cost of raw materials used by its manufacturing businesses have fluctuated over time as a result of a variety of factors. Although its manufacturing businesses are not currently experiencing any shortage of raw materials, if such shortages occur, revenues and profitability could decline.

Outbreaks of disease affecting livestock can adversely affect the supply of cattle and the demand for NBP’s products.

NBP is subject to risks relating to animal health and disease control. An outbreak of disease affecting livestock (such as foot-and-mouth disease or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly referred to as mad cow disease) could result in restrictions on sales of products, restrictions on purchases of livestock from suppliers or widespread destruction of cattle. The discovery of BSE in the past caused certain countries to restrict or prohibit the importation of beef products. Outbreaks of diseases, or the perception by the public that an outbreak has occurred, or other concerns regarding diseases, can lead to inadequate supply, cancellation of orders by customers and create adverse publicity, any of which can have a significant negative impact on consumer demand and, as a result, on its consolidated financial position, cash flows and results of operations.

If NBP’s products or products made by others using its products become contaminated or are alleged to be contaminated, NBP may be subject to product liability claims that could adversely affect its business.

NBP may be subject to significant liability in excess of insurance policy limits if its products or products made by others using its products cause injury, illness or death. In addition, NBP could recall or be required to recall products that are, or are alleged to be, contaminated, spoiled or inappropriately labeled. Organisms producing food borne illnesses (such as E. coli) could be present in NBP’s products and result in illness or death if they are not eliminated through further processing or cooking. Contamination of NBP’s or its competitors’ products may create adverse publicity or cause consumers to lose confidence in the safety and quality of beef products. Allegations of product contamination may also be harmful even if they are untrue or result from third-party tampering. Any of these events may increase costs or decrease demand for beef products, any of which could have a significant adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.

NBP generally does not enter into long-term contracts with customers; as a result the volumes and prices at which beef products are sold are subject to market forces.

NBP’s customers generally place orders for products on an as-needed basis and, as a result, their order levels have varied from period to period in the past and may vary significantly in the future. The loss of one or more significant customers, a significant decline in the volume of orders from customers or a significant decrease in beef product prices for a sustained period of time could negatively impact cash flows and results of operations.

NBP’s exports expose it to political and economic risks in the U.S. and foreign countries, as well as to risks related to currency fluctuations.

Approximately 10.8% of NBP’s annual sales are export sales, primarily to Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Hong Kong, China (for hides), Taiwan, Italy and Egypt, and on average these sales have a higher margin than domestic sales of similar products. A reduction in international sales could adversely affect revenues and margins. Risks associated with international activities include inflation or deflation and changes in foreign currency exchange rates, including changes in currency exchange rates of other countries that may export beef products in competition with NBP; the closing of borders by foreign countries to product imports due to disease or other perceived health or food safety issues; exchange controls; changes in tariffs; changes in political or economic conditions; trade restrictions and changes in regulatory requirements. The occurrence of any of these events could increase costs, lower demand for products or limit operations, which could have a significant adverse effect on cash flows, results of operations and future prospects.

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NBP incurs substantial costs to comply with environmental regulations and could incur additional costs as a result of new regulations or compliance failures that result in civil or criminal penalties, liability for damages and negative publicity.

NBP’s operations are subject to extensive and stringent environmental regulations administered by the EPA and state, local and other authorities with regards to water usage, wastewater and storm water discharge, air emissions and odor, and waste management and disposal. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations could have serious consequences, including criminal, civil and administrative penalties and negative publicity. In addition, NBP incurs and will continue to incur significant capital and operating expenditures to comply with existing and new or more stringent regulations and requirements. All of NBP’s processing facilities procure wastewater treatment services from municipal or other regional governmental agencies that are in turn subject to environmental laws and permit limits regarding their water discharges. As permit limits are becoming more stringent, upgrades and capital improvements to these municipal treatment facilities are likely. In locations where NBP is a significant volume discharger, it could be asked to contribute toward the costs of such upgrades or to pay significantly increased water or sewer charges to recoup such upgrade costs. NBP may also be required to undertake upgrades and make capital improvements to its own wastewater pretreatment facilities, the cost of which could be significant. Compliance with environmental regulations has had and will continue to have a significant impact on NBP’s cash flows and profitability. In addition, under most environmental laws, most notably the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and analogous state laws, NBP could be held liable for the cost to investigate or remediate any contamination at properties it owns or operates, or as to which it arranges for the disposal or treatment of hazardous substances, as such liability is imposed without regard to fault.

NBP is subject to extensive governmental regulation and noncompliance with or changes in applicable requirements could adversely affect its business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.

NBP’s operations are subject to extensive regulation and oversight by the USDA, including its FSIS and GIPSA agencies, the FDA, and other federal, state, local and foreign authorities regarding the procurement of cattle and the processing, packaging, storage, safety, distribution, advertising and labeling of its products. Recently, food safety practices and procedures in the meat processing industry have been subject to more intense scrutiny and oversight by the USDA. NBP is also subject to a variety of immigration, labor and worker safety laws and regulations, including those relating to the hiring and retention of employees. Failure to comply with existing or new laws and regulations could result in administrative penalties and injunctive relief, civil remedies, fines, interruption of operations, recalls of products or seizures of properties, potential criminal sanctions and personal injury or other damage claims. These remedies, changes in the applicable laws and regulations or discovery of currently unknown conditions could increase costs, limit business operations and reduce profitability.

NBP’s performance depends on favorable labor relations with its employees, in particular employees represented by collective bargaining agreements.

A substantial number of NBP’s employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements. A labor-related work stoppage by unionized employees, or employees who become unionized in the future, could limit NBP’s ability to process and ship products or could increase costs. Any significant increase in labor costs, deterioration of employee relations, slowdowns or work stoppages at any of NBP’s locations, whether due to union activities, employee turnover or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.

Risk Factors Associated with USPB

USPB facilitates the delivery of the cattle provided by its unitholders and associates to NBP and does not have arrangements for alternative markets for its unitholders and associates cattle.

USPB’s sole customer for the cattle provided by its unitholders and associates is NBP. USPB has not developed alternative customers for the cattle provided by USPB’s unitholders and associates. If events were to occur which would prevent NBP from purchasing and processing the cattle supplied by USPB’s unitholders and associates, USPB would need to exercise provisions in its agreements with both NBP and USPB’s unitholders that would permit USPB to reduce the number of cattle acquired from unitholders and sold to NBP. While such provisions would mitigate harm to USPB, it is likely that the value of the Class A and Class B units and the associated delivery rights held by USPB’s unitholders would be impaired.

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USPB’s investment in NBP could become impaired.

USPB’s investment in NBP is carried under the equity method of accounting. Operating losses, economic and industry events, and a variety of other factors may result in a decrease in the value of the investment, which is other than temporary. Such potential decreases in value will cause the Company to record an impairment charge, which may have an impact on the trading values of USPB’s Class A and Class B units.

The other members of NBP do not deliver cattle to NBP for processing, creating the possibility that the interests of those other members of NBP could conflict with the interests of USPB and its unitholders.

The other members of NBP do not deliver cattle to NBP for processing and marketing. As a result, conflicts of interest may arise between USPB and NBP relating to cattle purchases. If a dispute were to arise, the settlement of any such dispute may not be on terms as favorable to USPB as would be expected if all of the members of NBP were involved in the delivery of cattle to NBP for processing.

The Internal Revenue Service could assert that USPB should be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes.

Under applicable regulations, an unincorporated entity such as a limited liability company is treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes unless the entity is considered a “publicly traded partnership” or the entity affirmatively elects to be taxed as a corporation. USPB has not elected to be taxed as a corporation, and USPB believes that it should be treated as a partnership not taxable as a corporation for federal income tax purposes. USPB has not requested and will not request any ruling from the IRS, however, with respect to its classification as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. If the IRS were to assert successfully that USPB were taxable as a corporation for federal income tax purposes in any taxable year, holders of Class A units and Class B units would not be required to report on their federal income tax returns their allocable share of USPB’s items of income, gain, deduction, and loss for that year and USPB would be subject to tax on its net income for that year at corporate tax rates. In addition, any distributions would be taxable to holders of Class A units and Class B units as dividend income. Taxation of USPB as a corporation could materially reduce the after-tax return on an investment in units and could substantially reduce the value of the units.

Failure to achieve and maintain effective internal controls could have a material adverse effect on USPB’s business, operating results and financial condition.

USPB documents and tests its internal control procedures in order to satisfy the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which requires annual management assessments of the effectiveness of its internal controls over financial reporting. This process is both costly and challenging. If USPB fails to achieve and maintain the adequacy of its internal controls, as such standards are modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, it may not be able to ensure that it can conclude on an ongoing basis that it has effective internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Moreover, effective internal controls are necessary for USPB to produce reliable financial reports and are important to helping prevent financial fraud. If USPB cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, its business and operating results could be harmed, investors could lose confidence in its reported financial information, and its business, results of operation and financial condition could be adversely affected.

USPB depends on the service of key senior management personnel, the loss of which could materially harm its business.

USPB’s success will depend, in part, on the efforts of its key senior management personnel. The market for qualified personnel is competitive and USPB’s future success will depend on its ability to attract and retain these personnel. USPB does not have long-term employment agreements with most of its senior management. USPB may not be able to negotiate either new contracts or renewals of any existing long-term employment agreements on terms favorable to USPB or at all. The loss of the services of any of USPB’s key senior management personnel or the failure to attract and retain highly skilled personnel in the future could have a material adverse effect on USPB’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

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Rules proposed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) could adversely impact USPB’s business operations.

The “Farmer Fair Practices Rules” proposed by GIPSA could have an impact on how USPB’s members market the cattle they produce and on USPB’s ability to offer its members value based grids for their cattle. If enacted, the proposed rules may have a negative impact the value of the Class A unit and the associated delivery rights held by USPB’s unitholders.

ITEM 1B.       UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

Not applicable.

ITEM 2.          PROPERTIES

USPB’s corporate office is located at 12200 Ambassador Drive, Suite 501, Kansas City, Missouri 64163, in proximity to the corporate offices of NBP. The Company leases its office space from the Kansas City Aviation Department, with offices at 601 Brasilia Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64153.

ITEM 3.          LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

For information regarding legal proceedings, see Note 10. Legal Proceedings.

ITEM 4.          NOT USED.

ITEM 5.        MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

     There is no established public trading market for any class of common equity of U.S. Premium Beef, LLC. As of February 25, 2017, there were 477 record holders of Class A units and 476 record holders of Class B units. The per unit sales prices for the fiscal years 2016 and 2015 by quarter were as follows:

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The affiliated sales represent sales for each of the periods shown above were not at arms-length and, therefore, the sales prices disclosed above are not necessarily indicative of the market value of the Class A and Class B units during the periods in question.

During fiscal years 2016 and 2015, USPB’s Board of Directors approved the following per unit cash distributions to be made to its Class A and Class B unitholders:

The payment of cash distributions are made only from assets legally available for that purpose and depend on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, and other factors then deemed relevant by USPB’s board of directors. Cash distributions are paid to the holders of Class A and Class B units at the discretion of the board of directors and to the extent permitted by USPB’s senior lenders.

For a discussion of equity compensation plans, see Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Unitholder Matters.

ITEM 6.      SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

As a result of the Leucadia Transaction, the USPB investment in NBP is accounted for using the equity method of accounting as USPB has the ability to exercise significant influence but does not have financial or operational control. Consequently, the Company’s balance sheet for periods subsequent to the Leucadia Transaction were not consolidated with NBP.

The following table sets forth selected statement of operations and balance sheet data for fiscal years ended December 31, 2016, December 26, 2015, December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012. The selected financial data has been derived from our audited financial statements included elsewhere in this filing or from audited financial statements from prior years’ filings.

The following table should be read in conjunction with Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data (including the accompanying notes) contained elsewhere in this report.

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ITEM 7.      MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this report. In addition to historical information, the following discussion and other parts of this report contain forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated by such forward-looking information due to the factors discussed under Item 1A, Risk Factors, Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and elsewhere in this report.

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Overview

U.S. Premium Beef (USPB or the Company) was formed as a closed marketing cooperative on July 1, 1996. Its mission is to increase the quality of beef and long-term profitability of cattle producers by creating a fully integrated producer-owned beef processing system that is a global supplier of high quality, value-added beef products responsive to consumer desires. USPB operates an integrated cattle processing and beef marketing enterprise where consumer and processor demands and requirements are implemented through changes in genetics, feeding, and management. USPB’s unitholders benefit from its supplier alliance with National Beef Packing Company, LLC (NBP) through (i) premiums received in excess of cash market prices for higher quality cattle, (ii) allocations of profits and potential distributions, (iii) potential unit price appreciation, and (iv) information that permits unitholders to make informed production decisions.

Effective August 29, 2004, the cooperative restructured into a limited liability company (LLC) under Delaware law (Conversion). The business of USPB, the cooperative, is being continued in the LLC form of business organization.

As USPB filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with its 2004 Conversion from the cooperative form of business organization to an LLC structure, USPB is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act), although USPB is not required to be registered under the Exchange Act. Accordingly, USPB files periodic reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Such reports, proxy statements and other information may be obtained by visiting the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549 or by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet site (www.sec.gov) that contains reports and information statements and other information regarding USPB and other issuers that file electronically.

On December 5, 2011, USPB entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement with Leucadia National Corporation (Leucadia). The Purchase Agreement provided for Leucadia to purchase 56.2415% of the membership interests in NBP (National Interests) from the Company for approximately $646.8 million. The Leucadia Transaction closed on December 30, 2011. Following the close, USPB owned 15.0729% of NBP’s membership interests.

Due to the sale to Leucadia, beginning on December 31, 2011, USPB’s investment in NBP will be accounted for using the equity method of accounting as the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but does not have financial or operational control. Since USPB no longer has financial or operational control, NBP’s financial information will no longer be consolidated with USPB’s. NBP’s financial statements and footnotes will instead be attached as an exhibit to USPB’s 10-K.

Products and Production

USPB provides an integrated cattle production, processing and marketing system for the benefit of its unitholders and associates. As the basis of that system, USPB’s unitholders have a guaranteed right plus an obligation (on a one head per Class A unit per delivery year basis) to deliver cattle to USPB, pursuant to the Uniform Cattle Delivery and Marketing Agreement (see Cattle Delivery Arrangements). USPB facilitates the delivery of cattle to NBP for processing and subsequent product distribution and marketing. Shortly after the cattle are processed, cattle suppliers receive, at no extra charge, individual animal carcass data previously considered proprietary by many processors. This carcass data assists producers in refining production methodologies, thereby improving the product quality and subsequently enhancing the return to the producer.

We believe the primary advantage of USPB’s ownership in NBP centers around USPB’s ability to provide NBP with a consistent supply of quality beef from a verified source, allowing NBP to target higher margin value-added markets. Consumers have historically demonstrated their willingness and desire to buy branded products that offer better value in other consumer product markets, with the Certified Angus Beef^® product line being an example in the beef industry.

NBP is one of the largest beef processing companies in the U.S., accounting for approximately 12.5% of the fed cattle slaughter market at December 31, 2016. NBP processes and markets fresh and chilled boxed beef, ground beef, beef by-products, consumer-ready beef and pork, and wet blue leather for domestic and international markets. Based in Kansas City, Missouri, NBP had approximately 8,140 employees at December 31, 2016 and generated total revenues of $7.0 billion in 2016.

The largest share of NBP’s revenue, about 91%, is generated from the sale of boxed beef products. NBP also generates revenues through value-added production with its consumer-ready products. In addition, NBP operates one of the largest wet blue tanning facilities in the world (wet blue tanning refers to the first step in processing raw and brine-cured hides into tanned leather), selling processed hides to tanners that produce finished leather for the automotive, luxury goods, apparel and furniture industries. Other streams of revenue include sales through its subsidiary, Kansas City Steak Company, LLC, which sells portioned beef and other products directly to consumers through internet, direct mail and direct response television, and service revenues generated by National Carriers, Inc., a wholly owned transportation and logistics company that is one of the largest refrigerated and livestock carrier operations in the U.S. and transports products for NBP and a variety of other customers. NBP’s profitability typically fluctuates seasonally as well as cyclically, based on the availability of fed cattle.

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Financial Statement Accounts

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling expenses consist primarily of salaries, trade promotions, advertising, commissions and other marketing costs. General and administrative costs consist primarily of general management, insurance and professional expenses.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based on our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates and revises its estimates based on historical experience and other assumptions we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Changes in our estimates could materially affect our results of operations and financial condition for any particular period. With the closing of the Leucadia Transaction, our fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in December. We believe USPB’s most critical accounting policy is as follows:

Accounting for Investment in NBP. On December 30, 2011, USPB sold the majority of its ownership interest in NBP to Leucadia. On that date, USPB’s investment in NBP was measured at fair value and has since been carried under the equity method of accounting. Operating losses, economic and industry events, and a variety of other factors may result in a decrease in the value of the investment, which is other than temporary. Such potential decreases in value will cause the Company to record an impairment charge, which may have an impact on the trading values of USPB’s Class A and Class B units.

USPB conducted an evaluation to determine if its investment in National Beef was impaired as of the end of fiscal year 2016 in accordance with ASC 323 Investments Equity Method and Joint Ventures. The evaluation included both quantitative and qualitative factors. The quantitative approach computed the fair value of the investment using a discounted cash flow valuation and resulted in a fair value that exceeded the carrying value. Qualitative factors considered by the Company included the following:

As a result of the forgoing analysis, USPB concluded that the carrying value of its investment in NBP was not impaired as of December 31, 2016.

Results of Operations

The following table presents the historical consolidated statements of operations data for USPB for the periods indicated:

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Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2016 compared to December 26, 2015

Net Sales. There were no sales during the fifty-three weeks ended December 31, 2016 and the fifty-two weeks ended December 26, 2015.

Cost of Sales. There were no cost of sales during the fifty-three weeks ended December 31, 2016 and the fifty-two weeks ended December 26, 2015.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses were approximately $3.6 million for the fifty-three weeks ended December 31, 2016, compared to approximately $2.4 million for the fifty-two weeks ended December 26, 2015, an increase of approximately $1.2 million. The increase is primarily due to higher expenses associated with the bonus plans, non-compete agreements and phantom plans.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense. There were immaterial depreciation and amortization expenses during the fifty-three weeks ended December 31, 2016 compared to the fifty-two weeks ended December 26, 2015.

Operating Loss. Operating loss was approximately $3.6 million for the fifty-three weeks ended December 31, 2016 compared to an operating loss of approximately $2.4 million for the fifty-two weeks ended December 26, 2015, an increase of approximately $1.2 million.

Interest Expense and Interest Income. Interest expense and interest income were immaterial during the fifty-three weeks ended December 31, 2016 and fifty-two weeks ended December 26, 2015.

Equity in Income (Loss) of National Beef Packing Company, LLC. Equity in NBP income was $49.3 million for the fifty-three weeks ended December 31, 2016 compared to a loss of $18.9 million for the fifty-two weeks ended December 26, 2015. As of December 31, 2011, USPB started carrying its 15.0729% investment in NBP under the equity method of accounting.

Other, net. Other income was $0.7 million for the fifty-three weeks ended December 31, 2016 compared to $0.0 million for the fifty-two weeks ended December 26, 2015, an increase of approximately $0.7 million. The increase was primarily due to higher lease income on the Company owned delivery rights.

Income Tax Expense. There was no income tax expense during the fifty-three weeks ended December 31, 2016 and fifty-two weeks ended December 26, 2015.

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Net Income (Loss). Net income for the fifty-three weeks ended December 31, 2016 was approximately $46.4 million compared to a net loss of approximately $21.3 million for the fifty-two weeks ended December 26, 2015, an improvement of approximately $67.7 million. The improvement was due to net income at NBP.

Fiscal Year Ended December 26, 2015 compared to December 27, 2014

Net Sales. There were no sales during the fifty-two weeks ended December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014.

Cost of Sales. There was no cost of sales during the fifty-two weeks ended December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses were approximately $2.4 million for the fifty-two weeks ended December 26, 2015, compared to approximately $3.1 million for the fifty-two weeks ended December 27, 2014, a decrease of approximately $0.7 million. The decrease is primarily due to lower expenses associated with the non-compete agreements and bonus plans. Those decreases were partially offset by higher legal and accounting expenses.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense. There were immaterial depreciation and amortization expenses during the fifty-two weeks end December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014.

Operating Loss. Operating loss was approximately $2.4 million for the fifty-two weeks ended December 26, 2015 compared to approximately $3.1 million for the fifty-two weeks ended December 27, 2014, an improvement of approximately $0.7 million.

Interest Expense. Interest expense was immaterial during the fifty-two weeks ended December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014.

Equity in Loss of National Beef Packing Company, LLC. Equity in NBP loss was $18.9 million for the fifty-two weeks ended December 26, 2015 compared to $6.1 million for the fifty-two weeks ended December 27, 2014. As of December 31, 2011, USPB started carrying its 15.0729% investment in NBP under the equity method of accounting.

Other, net. Other income was $0.0 million and $0.2 million for the fifty-two weeks ended December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014, respectively, a decrease of approximately $0.2 million. The decrease was primarily due to lower lease income on the Company owned delivery rights.

Income Tax Expense. There were immaterial income tax expenses during the fifty-two weeks ended December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014.

Net Loss. Net loss for the fifty-two weeks ended December 26, 2015 was approximately $21.3 million compared to approximately $9.0 million for the fifty-two weeks ended December 27, 2014, an increased loss of approximately $12.3 million. The increase in net loss is primarily due to a higher net loss at NBP, which was partially offset by lower expenses at USPB.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2016, we had net working capital (the excess of current assets over current liabilities) of approximately $82.0 million, which included cash and cash equivalents of $85.2 million. As of December 26, 2015, we had net working capital of approximately $84.0 million, which included cash and cash equivalents of $85.2 million, with $0.1 million in patronage notices payable. Our primary sources of liquidity for fiscal year 2016 was cash, and cash flows from investing activities and available borrowings under the Master Loan Agreement with CoBank.

As of December 31, 2016, USPB had no long-term debt outstanding. We had a $5.0 million revolving term loan with CoBank all of which was available. USPB was in compliance with all of the financial covenants under its Master Loan Agreement as of December 31, 2016.

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USPB believes available borrowings under the Master Loan Agreement and cash will be sufficient to support its working capital and cash flow requirements. For a review of the obligations that affect USPB’s liquidity, please see the ‘‘Cash Payment Obligations’’ table below.

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $8.3 million in fiscal year 2016 as compared to net cash used by operating activities of $3.3 million in fiscal year 2015. The $11.6 million increase was primarily due to the distributions received from NBP, which was partially offset by increases in compensation related expenses in the current fiscal year.

Net cash used in operating activities was $3.3 million in fiscal year 2015 as compared to $4.9 million in fiscal year 2014. The $1.6 million decrease was primarily due to the appreciation right payment on the former CEO’s Class A phantom units in April 2014 ($2.2 million), which was partially offset by lower compensation related expenses in the current fiscal year.

Investing Activities

Net cash provided by investing activities was $27.5 million in fiscal year 2016 as compared to net cash used in investing activities of $3.8 million in fiscal year 2015. The $31.3 million change was due to distributions received from NBP in fiscal year 2016 as compared to USPB’s $3.8 million contribution of additional capital to NBP in fiscal year 2015 to purchase 33.97 NBP units and maintain its 15.0729% ownership percentage.

Net cash used by investing activities was $3.8 million in fiscal year 2015 as compared to net cash provided by investing activities of $38.9 million in fiscal year 2014. The $42.7 million change was due to the receipt of escrow monies in fiscal year 2014 related to the 2011 Leucadia Transaction and USPB’s $3.8 million contribution of additional capital to NBP in fiscal year 2015 to purchase 33.97 NBP units and maintain its 15.0729% ownership percentage.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $35.8 million in fiscal year 2016 as compared to $0.0 million in fiscal year 2015. The $35.8 million change was primarily related to a distribution to USPB’s unitholders in fiscal year 2016.

Net cash used in financing activities was $0.0 million in fiscal year 2015 as compared to $1.5 million in fiscal year 2014. The $1.5 million change was primarily related to a distribution to USPB’s unitholders in fiscal year 2014.

CoBank Debt

On May 29, 2014, USPB and CoBank entered into a Revolving Term Loan Supplement to the Master Loan Agreement dated July 26, 2011. The Revolving Term Loan Supplement provides for a $5 million revolving credit commitment. The new commitment carries a term of three years, maturing on June 30, 2017. The Pledge Agreement provides CoBank with a first-priority security interest in USPB’s membership interests in, and distributions from, NBP.

All of the $5 million revolving credit commitment was available as of December 31, 2016. Borrowings under the revolving credit commitment bear interest at the base rate or LIBOR rate plus applicable margin.

On December 30, 2011, in connection with the closing of the Leucadia Transaction, the Company and CoBank entered into the Consent and First Amendment to Pledge Agreement and Security Agreement, by which CoBank agreed to (i) consent to the Membership Interest Sale and the PA Distribution, (ii) release its security interest in, and liens on, the Membership Interests being sold pursuant to the Membership Interest Sale, (iii) consent to the NBP Pledge and (iv) consent to the amendments and restatements of the NBP Operating Agreement and the PA Newco Operating Agreement. The NBP Pledge grants NBP a perfected security interest in and to USPB’s membership interests in, and distributions from, NBP, subject only to the prior first priority security interest held by CoBank.

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Cash Payment Obligations

The following table describes the cash payment obligations as of December 31, 2016 (thousands of dollars):

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of December 31, 2016, we did not have any material off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of SEC Regulation S-K.

Inflation

We believe our results of operations are not materially affected by moderate changes in the inflation rate. Inflation and changing prices did not have a material effect on our operations in fiscal years 2016 and 2015. Severe increases in inflation, however, could affect the global and U.S. economies and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Seasonality and Fluctuations in Operating Results

The Company’s operating results are influenced by seasonal factors in the beef industry. These factors affect the price NBP pays for livestock as well as the ultimate price at which NBP sells its products. The seasonal demand for beef products is highest in the summer and spring months as weather patterns permit more outdoor activities and there is an increased demand for higher value items that are grilled, such as steaks. Both live cattle prices and boxed beef prices tend to be at seasonal highs during the summer and fall. Because of higher consumption, more favorable growing conditions and the housing of animals in feedlots for the winter months, there are generally more cattle available in the summer and fall.

ITEM 7A.      QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The principal market risk affecting USPB’s business is exposure to interest rate risk, to the extent the Company has debt outstanding. As of December 31, 2016, the Company did not have any outstanding debt.

ITEM 8.         FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, and other information required by this Item 8 are included in this report beginning on page F-1.

ITEM 9.        CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

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ITEM 9A.     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 Financial Officer. Based upon that evaluation, as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial 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 control over financial reporting during the fourteen weeks ended December 31, 2016 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.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance as to the reliability of the Company’s financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

• Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;

• Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and managers of the Company; and

• Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Internal control over financial reporting, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, internal control over financial reporting determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and may not prevent or detect all misstatements. Moreover, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management has assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016. In making this assessment, management used the criteria established by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013 Framework).

Based on the Company’s processes and assessment, as described above, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2016, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was operating effectively.

This annual report does not include a report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit us to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

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ITEM 9B.        OTHER INFORMATION

The Company may purchase a portion of its outstanding Class A and Class B units from time to time in accordance with the limits imposed under the CoBank Master Loan Agreement.

PART III

ITEM 10.         DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Board of Directors

USPB’s business and affairs are governed by its board of directors. The board of directors is to consist of seven directors. The board of directors has full authority to act on behalf of USPB. The board of directors act collectively through meetings, committees and executive officers it appoints. In addition, USPB employs a staff of professionals to manage the day-to-day business of USPB. The members of the board of directors, nominees to the board of directors and the executive officers are identified below. There are no arrangements or understandings pursuant to which any director, nominee to become a director or executive officer was elected or appointed.

Mark R. Gardiner. Mr. Gardiner is President of Gardiner Angus Ranch, Inc. (GAR), a family owned purebred and commercial Angus operation headquartered at Ashland, Kansas, with 10 seedstock satellite cowherds across the United States and Australia. Mr. Gardiner has been involved with the management of GAR since 1983. GAR markets over 2,000 bulls and 700 females per year to both commercial and seedstock beef producers throughout the United States. GAR also runs an embryo transfer program that makes more than 3,500 transfers per year, including more than 60% of GAR’s 1,500-plus head of registered Angus calves born each year. A percentage of its calves are finished at commercial feedlots to provide carcass data on all Gardiner sires. In addition to a native range program, GAR operates a significant dryland farming enterprise. Mr. Gardiner is a member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Kansas Livestock Association, American Angus Association, Kansas Angus Association and the Beef Improvement Federation. He also serves on the Board of Irsik & Doll Company, a privately held company primarily involved in cattle feeding, grain and feed merchandising. Mr. Gardiner has served as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors since 1996. He was elected Secretary/Treasurer of the Company’s Board in 2003, Vice Chairman of the Board in 2004 and Chairman of the Board in 2006. Mr. Gardiner holds a Bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University in Animal Sciences and Industry. As a member of USPB’s board of directors, Mr. Gardiner and the entities he is associated with that deliver cattle to USPB are considered affiliates of USPB.

Joe M. Morgan. Mr. Morgan has been managing commercial feed yards since 1983. He has been Manager of Poky Feeders since 1985 and part owner since 1987. Mr. Morgan has been involved with employee issues and the growth of Poky Feeders (starting with a capacity of 17,000 head to today of over 80,000 head), plus ranches in seven states. Mr. Morgan has had responsibility for all banking of Poky Feeders for over 30 years and has responsibility for risk management of all feeding entities. He also has farming interests in Iowa and is a member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Kansas Livestock Association. Mr. Morgan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Iowa State University. Mr. Morgan has served as a member of the Company’s board since 2007 and as a Nominating Committee member prior to 2007. As a member of USPB’s board of directors, Mr. Morgan and the entities he is associated with that deliver cattle to USPB are considered affiliates of USPB.

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Jerry L. Bohn. Mr. Bohn has served as the General Manager of Pratt Feeders since 1982. Pratt Feeders has a one-time capacity of 85,000 head in three feedlots in Kansas and Oklahoma. In this capacity he oversees more than 85 employees. Mr. Bohn also owns and manages a 2,000 to 3,000 head cattle operation which includes grazing and finishing cattle. Throughout Mr. Bohn has over 40 years of agricultural business management experience, he has worked with complex banking and financial data and is required to make decisions involving several hundred thousand dollars, on a daily basis. Mr. Bohn previously was employed as Director of Market Analysis for Cattle-Fax, an industry market analysis firm. Mr. Bohn has served as president of the Kansas Livestock Association. He has been a Board member of the Kansas Beef Council, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Feeders Advantage, a private animal health product distribution company. Mr. Bohn has also served on the NCBA’s Executive Committee and as chairman of NCBA’s Live Cattle Marketing. Mr. Bohn served on USPB’s Board from 2004 through 2007 and was reelected in 2009. He was elected Secretary of USPB’s Board in 2006. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences and Industry from Kansas State University. As a member of USPB’s board of directors, Mr. Bohn and the entities he is associated with that deliver cattle to USPB are considered affiliates of USPB.

Wayne L. Carpenter. Mr. Carpenter is the President and owner of Carpenter Cattle Company Inc. which was established in 1980. His operation today consists of a 7,500 head feed yard which markets 10,000-11,000 head through USPB annually. Mr. Carpenter runs 1,100 mother cows and also yearlings on ranches in Kansas and Montana. His farming operation consists of dryland and irrigated acres, which markets most of its crop production through the feed yard. Mr. Carpenter is a member of Kansas Livestock Association and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Carpenter Cattle Company Inc. has been a member of USPB since the beginning. Mr. Carpenter has served as a member of the Company’s board since 2016. As a member of USPB’s board of directors, Mr. Carpenter and the entities he is associated with that deliver cattle to USPB are considered affiliates of USPB.

John M. Freund. Mr. Freund has been actively involved in his family’s cattle feeding operation in Southwest Iowa since 1985 and has been president since 2005. In addition to the feeding operation, the business also includes feed grain production and has ownership in stockers, feedlot production and a ranch in other Midwest states. He has been a member of USPB since its inception and was a member of the company’s Nominating Committee since from 2011 to 2015. As a member of USPB’s board of directors, Mr. Freund and the entities he is associated with that deliver cattle to USPB are considered affiliates of USPB.

Rex W. McCloy. Mr. McCloy has over 34 years of experience in the cattle business and is manager and part-owner of McLeod Farms Inc., a family-owned business involved in farming and ranching in the Texas Panhandle. Mr. McCloy is a member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the Texas Cattle Feeder's Association (TCFA) and the Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. He is a past Board member and marketing committee chairman of TCFA. In addition, he is a former member of U.S. Premium Beef’s Nominating Committee. Mr. McCloy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from Texas Tech University. Mr. McCloy has served as a member of the Company’s board since 2005. Mr. McCloy is a former board member of the Hutchinson County Hospital District and is presently on the Board of Managers at Adobe Walls Cotton Gin. As a member of USPB’s board of directors, Mr. McCloy and the entities he is associated with that deliver cattle to USPB are considered affiliates of USPB.

Jeff H. Sternberger. Mr. Sternberger is the manager and part owner of Midwest Feeders, Inc. Mr. Sternberger has been the manager of Midwest Feeders, Inc. since 1992 and has overseen large growth in his company and directed the acquisition of other business to add to their holdings. Mr. Sternberger has been the direct contact during that time frame for all banking and accounting relationships. He also owns and operates a farming and cattle operation in Oklahoma as well as a personal cattle feeding operation. He serves as a director of Midwest Feeders, Inc., CRI Feeders of Guymon LLC, and Brookover Cattle Co. of Scott City LLC. Mr. Sternberger holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Economics from Oklahoma State University. As a member of USPB’s board of directors, Mr. Sternberger and the entities he is associated with that deliver cattle to USPB are considered affiliates of USPB.

Stanley D. Linville. Mr. Linville has served as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer since January 28, 2013. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer, a position he held since joining the Company in 1997. As CEO, Mr. Linville continues to oversee cattle scheduling and technical operations. Before joining U.S. Premium Beef, he operated a family farming operation near Holcomb, Kansas. He also worked in the cattle division of Brookover Enterprises at Garden City, Kansas, and as a grain merchandiser for Bartlett Grain Co. in Kansas City. Mr. Linville holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from Kansas State University.

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Scott J. Miller. Mr. Miller has served as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer since January 2010. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Company’s Chief Reporting and Compliance Officer, a position he held since joining the Company in 2005. He oversees the finance and treasury functions and is directly responsible for financial reporting, tax reporting, and ensuring compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements. Before joining U.S. Premium Beef, he worked as the Manager, Capital Markets for Sprint Corporation from 2001 to 2005 and, prior to that, in various finance and accounting positions with Farmland Industries, Inc. Mr. Miller earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Benedictine College and an MBA with an emphasis in Finance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He has passed the Certified Public Accounting exam and the Certified Cash Managers exam.

Danielle D. Imel. Ms. Imel is the Company’s Treasurer and joined the Company in 1998. She oversees the Company’s finance functions and is directly responsible for Company treasury activities. She was employed by the CPA firm of Kennedy, McKee and Co., LLC of Dodge City, Kansas, prior to joining USPB. Ms. Imel earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a second Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from Kansas State University.

Board of Directors

Under USPB’s limited liability company agreement, the number of directors is set by the board of directors but may not be less than seven directors. Directors must be unitholders of USPB. Seven directors will always be elected by unitholders holding Class A units.

The directors are elected at the annual meeting of the unitholders and hold office for a term of three years. The terms of the directors are staggered in such a manner that approximately one-third of the directors will be elected each year. All directors will hold office until their successors are elected and qualified. Any vacancy in the board, other than a vacancy resulting from expiration of a term of office, will be filled by a majority vote of the remaining directors. In case a vacancy in the board of directors extends beyond the next annual meeting, the vacancy will be filled by the remaining directors until such meeting, at which meeting a director will be chosen by the unitholders for the unexpired term of such vacancy.

In the discretion of the board of directors, the number of directors may be increased by up to an additional five directors. Those additional directors will represent the Class B unitholders and may be elected or appointed by either the board of directors or by the holders of Class B units.

Compensation of Directors

The board of directors meets from time to time at such time and place as may be fixed by resolution adopted by a majority of the whole board of directors. Members of the board of directors receive a per diem payment of $250 for each activity on behalf of USPB, as well as direct reimbursement of travel expenses related to service on the board of directors.

Audit Committee

The board of directors has an Audit Committee consisting of Messrs. Gardiner, Bohn, and McCloy. Subject to the qualifications in the section headed “Directors who are unitholders” in Item 13 below, all members of the Audit Committee are considered independent within the meaning of the listing standards of the NASDAQ. Mr. Gardiner is Chairman of the Audit Committee. The Board has identified Mr. Bohn as an “audit committee financial expert”. The Audit Committee selects and retains independent auditors and assists the board of directors in its oversight of the integrity of U.S. Premium Beef’s financial statements, including the performance of our independent auditors in their audit of our annual financial statements. The Audit Committee meets with management and the independent auditors, as may be required. The independent auditors have full and free access to the Audit Committee without the presence of management. The Audit Committee has a charter.

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Code of Ethics

USPB has adopted a corporate Code of Conduct that is enforced throughout all levels of management and a Code of Ethics For Financial Officers for its chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and treasurer within the meaning of the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Code of Ethics are intended to deter wrongdoing and promote honest and ethical conduct; provide full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in public reports; comply with applicable laws; ensure prompt internal reporting of code violations; and provide accountability for adherence to the code. A copy of the Code of Conduct may be obtained, without charge, upon written request to Scott J. Miller, Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Premium Beef, LLC, P. O. Box 20103, Kansas City, Missouri 64195.

ITEM 11.      EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Overview of Compensation Program

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis describes the material elements of compensation paid to our named executive officers as well as the objectives and material factors underlying our compensation program. The compensation program places emphasis on USPB’s financial performance and the benefits received by USPB’s unitholders.

The Compensation Committee (Committee) is responsible for developing and administering the compensation program for USPB’s named executive officers and professional staff.

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

     USPB’s compensation program is a key element in attracting, retaining, and motivating named executive officers with the skills necessary to create value for the unitholders. To achieve this goal, we have designed the compensation program with the following objectives:

• Attracting and retaining top talent—The compensation of USPB’s executive officers must be commensurate with the competitive regional marketplace taking into consideration job responsibilities and supply of competent employees with the education and background to perform at the highest levels in their field.
• Paying for financial and operational performance—The compensation of USPB’s executive officers should motivate them to achieve strong financial and operational results. USPB must achieve specific levels of financial and operational performance to allow executives to earn this portion of their compensation.
• Alignment with the equity interests of our unitholders—Management phantom unit plans approved in September 2010 and January 2013 aligns management’s interest with the equity interests of USPB’s unitholders.

Each element of our compensation program is designed to achieve one or more of these objectives. The structure of a particular executive’s compensation may vary depending on the scope and level of that executive’s responsibilities.

Determining Executive Compensation

The CEO makes recommendations to the Committee regarding the salaries and bonus programs for the executive officers. The Committee reviews the recommendations, taking into account each element of total compensation. Based on the foregoing, the Committee uses its judgment in making compensation decisions that will best carry out USPB’s philosophy and objectives for executive compensation.

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The elements of our named executive officers total compensation package are as follows:

• base salary;

• annual cash bonuses;

• long-term cash bonus;

• discretionary cash bonuses;

• retirement plans; and

• limited personal benefits.

Elements of Our Compensation Program

Base Salary

Base salaries are intended to provide a level of compensation sufficient to attract and retain an effective management team, when considered in combination with the other components of our executive compensation program. The relative levels of base salary for named executive officers are designed to reflect each executive officer’s scope of responsibility and accountability with USPB. Except for the CEO’s salary, base salaries are reviewed annually to determine if they are consistent with the performance of the individual executive and equitable relative to USPB’s other executive officers and professional staff. Salary surveys summarizing the compensation packages for positions of equivalent responsibility in related industries were used to establish the CEO’s base salary.

On December 21, 2015, USPB entered into a new employment agreement with Mr. Linville (Linville Employment Agreement), which became effective on January 1, 2016. The Linville Employment Agreement provides for Mr. Linville to serve as USPB’s CEO for a term that started on January 1, 2016 and expires on December 29, 2018. The Linville Employment Agreement provides for Mr. Linville to receive an annual base salary of $300,000.

Annual Cash Incentive/Bonuses

Cash incentive and bonus plans were designed to provide the financial incentive to the CEO and other named executive officers to influence USPB unitholder benefits and are only paid after certain levels of benefits have been achieved.

Under the terms of the Linville Employment Agreement, if Mr. Linville is employed by USPB on the last day of any fiscal year, (except as otherwise provided in the agreement) during the term of the Linville Employment Agreement, he shall be paid annual incentive compensation equal to seventy-five one-hundredths of a percent (0.75%) of the sum of the total financial benefits to USPB (USPB Total Benefits) that exceed $25,000,000 (Annual Incentive). The USPB Total Benefits are: (1) audited fiscal year-end USPB earnings before tax; and (2) the fiscal year USPB grid premiums, which is the net sum of all USPB unitholder and associate grid premiums and discounts calculated through all USPB grids at all plants as outlined in the Linville Employment Agreement.

For fiscal year 2016, named executive officers and certain professional staff who were employed on the last day of the fiscal year will be paid his or her proportionate share of the Management Bonus Pool. The Management Bonus Pool is: (1) the audited fiscal year 2016 USPB earnings before tax plus USPB grid premiums during the fiscal year, less (2) $15,000,000, multiplied by (3) management bonus factor. The bonus plan payments are vested over a two-year period. The maximum Management Bonus Pool for a given bonus plan year is equal to 150% of the sum of the qualifying participants’ salaries in effect at the end of such year.

Long-term Incentive

Mr. Linville is eligible for a long-term incentive compensation under the Linville Employment Agreement. If he is employed by USPB on December 29, 2018, he is to be paid long-term incentive compensation equal to fifty one-hundredths of a percent (0.50%) of the amount by which the USPB Total Benefits from January 1, 2016 to December 29, 2018 exceed $75,000,000 (Long-Term Incentive).

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The Linville Employment Agreement provides for a cumulative annual cap of $450,000 for payments to Mr. Linville for Annual Incentive and Long-Term Incentive cash bonuses.

Discretionary Cash Bonuses

Discretionary bonuses are sometimes paid to named executive officers, other than the CEO, and professional staff to compensate for extraordinary cases of individual or Company performance.

Retirement Plans

Qualifying employees are encouraged to participate in the Company’s sponsored 401(k) savings plan. Under USPB’s plan, employees may contribute up to the maximum amount permissible by IRS limits. USPB matches 100% of each dollar contributed by a participant up to a maximum of 4% of his or her qualifying compensation.

Limited Personal Benefits

USPB also provides certain benefits to all salaried employees that are not included as perquisites in the Summary Compensation Table for the named executives because they are broadly available. These include health and welfare benefits, and disability and life insurance.

Equity Compensation

In September 2010, USPB’s Board of Directors approved a management phantom unit plan. The phantom unit plan provides for the award of unit appreciation rights to certain management employees of USPB. USPB’s CEO administers the phantom unit plan and awards “Phantom Units” (Class A and Class B Units) to employees in amounts determined by the CEO, subject to the total Phantom Unit amount approved by the Board of Directors of USPB. During fiscal year 2011, a total of 5,000 Class A phantom units and 5,000 Class B phantom units were awarded to management employees. As a result of the retirement of one of USPB’s employees on December 31, 2014, 4,817 Class A phantom units and 4,817 Class B phantom units remained outstanding at December 31, 2016, all of which were fully vested.

In November 2012, USPB’s Board of Directors approved the issuance of an additional 1,500 Class A phantom units and 1,500 Class B phantom units to certain members of management, to be effective on January 28, 2013. These phantom units will vest over a five year period and were approximately 80% vested on January 28, 2017.

Employment Agreements

With the exception of the CEO, all of our executive officers are employed at-will, without employment agreements, severance payment agreements or payment arrangements that would be triggered by a “change in control” of USPB.

CEO Employment Agreement

On December 21, 2015, USPB entered into the Linville Employment Agreement with Mr. Linville, which became effective on January 1, 2016 and expires on December 29, 2018, subject to earlier termination as provided in the agreement.

Mr. Linville’s annual base salary is $300,000. Mr. Linville will be eligible for an annual incentive compensation payment based on the financial performance of USPB and the benefits received by USPB’s unitholders; that incentive compensation will only be paid to Mr. Linville after certain levels of benefits have been achieved. Under the terms of the Linville Employment Agreement, if Mr. Linville is employed by USPB on the last day of any employment year (except as otherwise provided in the agreement) during the term of the Linville Employment Agreement, he shall be paid an Annual Incentive. If he is employed by USPB on December 29, 2018, he is to be paid Long-Term Incentive compensation. The Linville Employment Agreement provides for a cumulative annual cap of $450,000 for payments to Mr. Linville for annual and long-term incentive amounts. Mr. Linville currently holds a total of 2,300 Class A and 2,300 Class B phantom units.

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The Linville Employment Agreement also provides for post termination compensation. In addition to the amounts described below that will be payable upon termination of the agreement, Mr. Linville has agreed to a noncompetition provision that, for twelve (12) months following the termination of Mr. Linville’s employment with USPB, prohibits him from participating in the management or control of any beef industry business or enterprise that competes with the business of USPB and its various affiliates. During such period, Mr. Linville will receive a monthly payment equal to one twelfth of Mr. Linville’s annual salary at the time of termination. If Mr. Linville terminates the agreement for any or no reason, USPB need only pay salary earned to the date of the termination, and the noncompetition compensation, unless termination is the result of death or permanent disability. If USPB terminates the agreement for any reason other than cause, death or disability, or if Mr. Linville terminates the Linville Employment Agreement for good reason, Mr. Linville shall be entitled to salary and benefits through fiscal year 2018; payment of certain fringe benefits through fiscal year 2018; the annual incentive bonus for the year in which the termination occurs and each subsequent year through fiscal year 2018; the long-term incentive bonus that would have accrued had Mr. Linville been employed through fiscal year 2018; and the payment of the noncompetition compensation.

Impact of Tax and Accounting Treatments

We believe the compensation paid to our named executive officers is fully deductible under the Internal Revenue Code at the time it is paid. We further believe ASC 718 Compensation – Stock Compensation does not have a material effect on our financial statements.

Unit Ownership Guidelines

USPB does not allow its named executive officers to own USPB’s Class A units. As of December 31, 2016, certain members of management own a total of 6,250 Class A and 6,250 Class B phantom unit rights awarded under the management phantom unit plans also discussed above.

Compensation Committee Report

The Committee has reviewed and discussed the foregoing Compensation Discussion and Analysis with USPB’s management. Based on the Committee’s review and discussions with management, the Committee has recommended to the Board that this Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Summary Compensation Table

     The table below sets forth information regarding compensation for our named executive officers for fiscal year 2016, 2015, and 2014. Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation amounts reflected in this table are performance based awards and include amounts earned under our annual and long term cash bonus plans.

(1) Mr. Linville - Amounts for Mr. Linville include Company match under our 401(k) plan, non-dilution payments resulting from excess tax distributions and a phantom unit plan payment resulting from the payment of funds escrowed in the Leucadia Transaction, $10,747, $2,888 and $63,752, respectively in fiscal year 2016; $10,523, $2,887 and $0, respectively in fiscal year 2015; and $10,398, $2,529 and $0, respectively in fiscal year 2014. 

Mr. Miller - Amounts for Mr. Miller include Company match under our 401(k) plan, non-dilution payments resulting from excess tax distributions and a phantom unit plan payment resulting from the payment of funds escrowed in the Leucadia Transaction, $10,322, $2,628 and $58,848, respectively in fiscal year 2016; $8,758, $2,628 and $0, respectively in fiscal year 2015; and $12,407, $2,296 and $0, respectively in fiscal year 2014.

Ms. Imel - Amounts for Ms. Imel include Company match under our 401(k) plan, non-dilution payments resulting from excess tax distributions and a phantom unit plan payment resulting from the payment of funds escrowed in the Leucadia Transaction, $7,535, $2,152 and $49,040, respectively in fiscal year 2016; $10,460, $1,876 and $0, respectively in fiscal year 2014. None of the benefits paid to Ms. Imel in fiscal year 2015 exceeded $10,000.

(2) This amount represents the executive's proportionate share of the Management Bonus Pool. One half of this amount will not be paid unless the executive is employed at the end of following fiscal year.

(3) The amount of non-equity incentive plan compensation, which is to include the annual cash bonus and amounts earned pursuant to the long-term cash bonus plan pursuant to Mr. Linville's employment agreement. The amounts represent annual cash bonus of $447,628, $0, and $17,802 for fiscal years 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively, and $0, $32,810, and $0 of long-term cash bonus for fiscal years 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. The Linville Employment Agreement provides for a cumulative annual cap of $450,000 for payments to Mr. Linville for annual and long-term incentive amounts.

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Grants of Plan-Based Awards in the Fiscal Year 2016

     The table below sets forth information regarding grants of a non-equity incentive plan-based award made to our named executive officers during fiscal year 2016.

Discussion of Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards

Performance Based Annual Cash Bonuses

Our executive officers earn bonus awards made pursuant to various annual cash bonus plans. The awards utilize formulas set by the Compensation Committee. The bonuses earned pursuant to the plans appear in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation in the Summary Compensation Table. Annual incentive bonuses awarded to executives, excluding Mr. Linville, also appear in the Grants of Plan Based Awards table. The formulas used to calculate the annual performance-based bonus awards to the Named Executive Officers were as follows:

We also pay discretionary cash bonuses to executive officers from time to time to reward elements of performance that are not reflected in the criteria for performance based cash bonuses. No such bonuses were paid to executive officers in fiscal year 2016, 2015, and 2014. The discretionary bonuses, if paid, are disclosed in the Bonus column in the Summary Compensation Table.

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(1) The phantom plan awards, which provide for the award of appreciation rights only, for Mr. Miller, Mr. Linville and Ms. Imel vested over a 5 year period. At the end of fiscal year 2016, the unexercised phantom units were fully vested, and therefore exercisable.
(2) The phantom plan awards, which provide for the award of appreciation rights only, for Mr. Miller and Mr. Linville vest over a 5 year period. On January 28, 2017, the unexercised phantom units were approximately 80% vested.
(3) During fiscal year 2011, a total of 5,000 Class A phantom units and 5,000 Class B phantom units were awarded to certain management employees, with a strike price of $118 and $157, respectively. However, as a result of the Leucadia Transaction, which occurred in December 2011, employees with phantom plan awards were paid $687 per combined Class A and Class B phantom units less the combined strike price of $275 ($118 + $157). Subsequent to this payment, the new strike prices for Class A phantom units and Class B phantom units are now $0.00 and $0.00, respectively. As a result of the retirement of one of USPB’s employees on December 31, 2014, 4,817 Class A phantom units and 4,817 Class A phantom units remained outstanding at December 31, 2016, all of which were fully vested.

Retirement Plans

We do not maintain a qualified or non-qualified defined benefit pension plan covering any of our employees. Our named executive officers are eligible to participate in our tax-qualified Profit Sharing and Savings Plan on the same basis as other employees under the plan. The Company makes a matching contribution to this plan equal to 100% of each participant’s own elective contributions up to 4% of his or her qualifying compensation. The Company also has the discretion to make annual profit sharing contributions that are allocated among all eligible participants in proportion to their respective compensation. The Company did not make a profit sharing contribution to the plan in fiscal year 2016. The Summary Compensation Table above reflects the contributions to our Profit Sharing and Savings Plan for those employees whose All Other Compensation exceeds $10,000.

Potential Payments Upon Termination

Mr. Stanley D. Linville

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Employment Agreement

If the Linville Employment Agreement is terminated upon death or permanent disability, Mr. Linville is entitled to:

• Salary to the date of the termination plus continued monthly payment of salary through the earlier of the first anniversary of the termination or the contract expiration date (Deemed Termination Date). If Mr. Linville were terminated upon death or disability in fiscal year 2017, his payment would be $300,000;

• If termination is due to permanent disability, provision of certain fringe benefits through the Deemed Termination Date, but excluding vacation pay, personal and sick days, vehicle, telecommunications, and 401(k) contributions, (subject to any necessary consent of applicable insurers which, if consent is not obtained within 30 days after termination, then the cash value of the monthly premiums at the date of termination shall be paid to CEO in equal monthly payments), through the Deemed Termination Date;

• Annual Incentive through the employment year in which the Deemed Termination Date occurs pro- rated for the last employment year based upon the period through the Deemed Termination Date;

• Long-term Incentive that would have accrued if Mr. Linville had remained employed under the Linville Employment Agreement through the Deemed Termination Date; and

• The Linville Employment Agreement provides for a cumulative annual cap of $450,000 for payments to Mr. Linville for Annual Incentive and Long-Term Incentive amounts.

If Linville Employment Agreement is terminated by USPB for cause or by Mr. Linville for other than good reason, he is entitled to:

• Salary earned to the date of the termination; and

• Payment of noncompetition compensation, unless Mr. Linville is terminated for being convicted of a felony or other serious crime or engaging in fraud, embezzlement or other illegal conduct to the detriment of USPB, in which case noncompetition compensation will not be paid.

     If the Linville Employment Agreement is terminated by USPB other than for cause, death or disability, or by Mr. Linville for good reason, he shall be entitled to:

• Salary and benefits through December 29, 2018;

• Payment of certain fringe benefits, but excluding vacation pay, personal and sick days, vehicle, telecommunications, and 401(k) contributions (subject to any necessary consent of applicable insurers which, if consent is not obtained within 30 days after termination, then the cash value of the monthly premiums at the date of termination shall be paid to CEO in equal monthly payments) through December 29, 2018;

• Annual Incentive for the year in which the termination occurs and each subsequent year through employment year 2018;

• Long-Term Incentive that would have accrued had Mr. Linville had remained employed through employment year 2018; and

• The payment of the noncompetition compensation.

• The Linville Employment Agreement provides for a cumulative annual cap of $450,000 for payments to Mr. Linville for Annual Incentive and Long-Term Incentive amounts.

Where the Linville Employment Agreement provides for post-termination noncompetition compensation, Mr. Linville will receive a monthly payment equal to the annual salary that would be paid to Mr. Linville under the Linville Employment Agreement or his annual salary at the time of termination, whichever is greater, divided by twelve (12), which will be paid at normal salary payment intervals in effect for management personnel on the date of termination. USPB will also pay Mr. Linville certain fringe benefits provided to other employees of USPB, but excluding paid vacations, personal and sick days, allowances, telecommunications equipment or services, expense reimbursement (except on prior written approval), or 401(k) contributions (subject to any necessary consent of applicable insurers which, if consent is not obtained within 30 days after termination, then the cash value of the monthly premiums at the date of termination will be paid to CEO in equal monthly payments during the noncompetition period). In return for such payment, Mr. Linville has agreed to a noncompetition provision that, for twelve (12) months following the termination of Mr. Linville’s employment with USPB, prohibits him, within the United States of America, from participating through management or control or consult or employment of any beef packing or processing industry business or enterprise that competes with the business of USPB and its various affiliates. USPB may terminate the USPB noncompetition payments prior to the end of the twelve (12) month period if the Board of Directors determines the CEO violated the noncompetition restriction as outlined in the Linville Employment Agreement.

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Director Compensation Table

Each director receives cash compensation for meetings attended. Directors are compensated $250 per diem for regular meetings, special meetings, compensation committee meetings and audit committee meetings. We do not award any other type of compensation to our directors.

The table below reflects compensation paid to each director during the fiscal year 2016.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

None of the members of our Compensation Committee is, or was, an officer or employee of U.S. Premium Beef, LLC or its subsidiaries. None of our executive officers served as a director or was a member of the compensation committee of any entity where a member of our Board or Compensation Committee was an executive officer.

ITEM 12.      SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED UNITHOLDER MATTERS

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The table below sets forth information with respect to securities available for issuance under our equity compensation plan.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

The following table sets forth certain information as of February 25, 2017 regarding the only persons known by the Company to own directly or indirectly, more than 5% of its Class A and Class B units.

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Security Ownership of Management

The following table furnishes information, as of February 25, 2017, regarding ownership of USPB’s Class A and Class B units is furnished with respect to (i) each director and director nominee, (ii) each executive officer named in the Summary Compensation Table on page 30, and (iii) all current directors and executive officers as a group.

ITEM 13.      CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

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Related Party Transactions

USPB’s board of directors has not adopted a formal policy or procedure that must be followed prior to any transaction, arrangement or relationship with a related person, as defined by SEC regulations (e.g., directors, executive officers, any 5 percent shareholder, or immediate family member of any of the foregoing).

USPB has adopted a corporate Code of Conduct that is enforced throughout all levels of management. It deals with conflicts of interest, among other things. The Code prohibits any conduct or activities that conflict with the interests of the Company, or that might influence or appear to influence our judgment or actions in performing our duties. The Code also requires directors and all levels of management to make full written disclosure of any activity that may present a conflict of interest and receive prior written approval from the Company. No waivers have been granted.

Our directors and all levels of management are required each year to respond to a questionnaire regarding their independence. The questionnaire also requires each director and all levels of management to identify if they or an immediate family member had been indebted to, or had been a participant in any material transactions with, the Company or any of its affiliates. The questionnaire requires disclosure of the name of related parties if such parties have an ownership or management control relationship with the Company sufficient to exert significant influence over the Company’s management or operating policies which could cause significantly different operating results or financial position of the Company.

The standards applied pursuant to the above-described procedures are to provide comfort that any conflict of interest or related party transaction is on an arms-length basis which is fair to the Company.

Directors who are Unitholders

USPB is not a listed company and as a result has chosen the NASDAQ independence listing standards to determine whether our directors are independent. The NASDAQ independence definitions provide that directors cannot be independent if they do not meet certain objective standards.

All of USPB’s directors hold units of the LLC and are also agricultural producers. By virtue of their unitholder status and ownership of Class A units, each of these individuals is obligated to deliver cattle to USPB. The amount and terms of the payments received by these individuals (or the entities they represent) for the delivery of cattle are made on exactly the same basis as those received by other unitholders and associates of USPB for the delivery of their cattle. Based on the NASDAQ’s standards and as a result of their equal treatment with respect to the delivery of cattle, the following current directors were determined to be independent: Messrs. Bohn, Carpenter, Freund, Gardiner, McCloy, Morgan, and Sternberger.

Certain Arrangements with Holders of NBP’s Membership Interests

Simultaneous with the closing the Leucadia Transaction, all of the holders of NBP’s membership interests entered into a limited liability company agreement that provides for, among other things, election of its board of managers, the powers of its board of managers and its officers, approval rights for certain of its equity holders, restrictions and rights related to the transfer, sale or purchase of its membership interests, and preemptive and repurchase rights.

Transactions with NBP

On December 30, 2011, NBP entered into a new Cattle Purchase and Sale Agreement with USPB. Per the terms and conditions of the Agreement, NBP shall purchase through USPB from its owners and associates, and USPB shall cause to be sold and delivered from its owners and associates to NBP, on an annual basis, a base amount of 735,385 (subject to adjustment) head of cattle per year. In fiscal years 2016, 2015, and 2014, USPB and NBP agreed to increase the number of cattle that USPB’s owners and associates could deliver during USPB’s delivery year by up to 10%. During fiscal years 2016, 2015, and 2014, USPB’s owners and associates provided approximately 27%, 28%, and 23%, respectively, of NBP’s total cattle requirements. The purchase price for the cattle is determined by pricing grids, which shall at all times be no less favorable than any other pricing grid being utilized by NBP and the pricing grid shall be competitive with NBP’s major competitors for the purchase of cattle. NBP believes the pricing grids are based on terms that could be obtained from an unaffiliated party. The cattle supply agreement extends through December 31, 2017, with automatic one year extensions on each December 30, unless either party provides a notice not to extend sixty days prior to the annual anniversary date. NBP also purchased additional cattle from certain USPB unitholders and associates outside of the cattle supply agreement.

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ITEM 14.      PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, served as our auditors for fiscal years 2016 and 2015 (thousands of dollars).

Audit Fees

Audit fees relate to the audits of our consolidated financial statements on Form 10-K and the reviews of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

Audit-Related Fees

Audit-related fees relate to consultations on accounting related matters. We did not pay any other type of fee and did not receive any other services.

Tax Fees

Tax fees relate to tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning services.

All Other Fees

We did not pay any other type of fee and did not receive any other services.

Our Audit Committee appoints our independent auditors. The Audit Committee is solely and directly responsible for the approval of the appointment, re-appointment, compensation and oversight of our independent auditors. The Audit Committee approves in advance all work to be performed by the independent auditors.

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PART IV

ITEM 15.      EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

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_____________

* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

** Furnished herewith. Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the interactive data files on Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.

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SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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: March 9, 2017

* * * *

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacity and on the dates indicated.

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U.S. PREMIUM BEEF, LLC

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

F-1

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Owners
U.S. Premium Beef, LLC:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), capital shares and equities and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of U.S. Premium Beef, LLC and their subsidiaries at December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years ended December 31, 2016, December 26, 2015, and December 27, 2014 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Kansas City, MO
March 9, 2017

F-2