Washington - U.S. Agriculture Department officials said they are not sure when the beef purchases announced earlier this morning will actually take place, but said it would be soon.
USDA Assistant Secretary Mike Dunn said the money would buy between 25 million and 30 million pounds of U.S. beef.
"Soon," USDA economist Keith Collins said, when asked by reporters when the beef buy will start. He said he did not have more information.
Collins said USDA Secretary Dan Glickman will sign the paperwork for the purchases Tuesday, which will set the process in motion.
The USDA announced on Tuesday that it will buy $30 million worth of U.S. beef for domestic feeding programs to help boost cattle prices.
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