031215 Beef Ban Effects Could Linger

Wichita, KS - Kansas cattleman hope the decision to ban the importation of Canadian cattle into the United States following the discovery of a single case of mad cow disease in that country ultimately could result in freer cattle trade between the two nations.

"We have a lot of leverage. It is a good time to try to even a lot of inequities," said Terry Handke, a Muscotah cattleman and president of Kansas Livestock Association.

The Canadian cattle situation dominated much of the two-day KLA conference, which ended Friday in Wichita. About 1,000 cattle producers attended.

U.S. livestock producers have argued unsuccessfully for years that Canada unfairly uses health restrictions to prohibit U.S. imports of feeder cattle, breeding stock, semen, embryos and seed stock into Canada, said Terry Stokes, chief executive officer of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association.

In May, the United States closed its border to Canadian cattle after the discovery of a case of bovine spongiform encephalapathy, or BSE. On Sept. 10, the U.S. Department of Agriculture began allowing imports of Canadian boneless beef from cattle under 30 months of age.

The Agriculture Department is now considering allowing live cattle under 30 months to be imported from countries that have BSE but are classified minimal risk because of prevention and detection procedures.

"We also have to remember the way we continue to handle this situation continues to set a precedent if it happened here," Handke said.

U.S. cattlemen say they support reopening the border based on "sound science." But they want the same science to be used to lift Canadian restrictions on their products. U.S. producers contend Canada has been using cattle diseases to keep their cattle out.

Canadians have restricted cattle imports for two decades over fears of spreading the viral disease bluetongue and anaplasmosis to Canadian cattle, which are considered free of the diseases. Anaplasmosis, caused by a blood parasite, causes anemia or death.

"We allowed the free flow of cattle here prior to BSE, but we have not had free access to cattle moving north," Stokes said.

Canadian and U.S. cattle industry groups are now working with their governments to resolve those issues, along with the ban on the Canadian cattle after the mad cow outbreak.

"It has been an issue for 20 years. It is time to resolve it," Stokes said.

Among other activities at the annual convention:

-- The Kansas Lottery announced its new "Beef N' Bucks" instant scratch game, developed with Dodge City Steak Company, which offers players a chance to win money and beef.

-- Elected Handke the new KLA president, and Lindsborg stocker operator Tom Toll as its president elect. Handke said he would like to end some of the divisiveness in the cattle industry, particularly over the beef checkoff program that funds beef promotion efforts.

-- Adopted a resolution supporting voluntary country-of-origin labeling of meat rather than the pending mandatory system.

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