051211 SD Certified Beef May Benefit From Japanese Imports

Pierre,SD - South Dakotans who raise state-branded beef stand to gain substantially if Japan reopens its doors to United States beef, those who raise cattle said.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said Thursday it could be just days before the first shipment of U.S. beef in two years is headed for Japan, which closed its doors to those imports because of fears about mad cow disease.

Kay Hubers, who raises cattle with her husband, Dennis, near Harrison in Douglas County, said improved sales of beef should improve cattle prices.

"I would certainly think that it would cause them to go up simply because that would increase demand for our product, and more demand is always good," she said.

The Hubers are registered in the South Dakota Certified Beef program, which was created at the urging of Gov. Mike Rounds to boost the fortunes of state farmers and ranchers, feedlot operators and meat processing plants. It is intended to let consumers know the meat they buy was produced under strict and closely monitored guidelines.

Rather than market cattle as a common commodity, the program is designed to increase the animals' value by fetching premium prices. Officials say tenderness, flavor and consistent quality are hallmarks of beef from cattle raised under the standards.

As part of the program, participating ranchers must attach a radio frequency identification ear tag to each enrolled animal and keep detailed records to prove that cattle have been born, raised and slaughtered in South Dakota.

"We're doing everything in our capacity to produce the best beef there is," Kay Hubers said. "This is another way to do that."

The Hubers are among the more than 100 cattle producers that qualify for the state seal of approval on their beef. The Certified Beef Program began several months ago.

George Williams, deputy state agriculture secretary, said reopening of the Japanese market would further increase the value of South Dakota-branded beef.

"Japan has great potential as another market for beef," he said. "We're riding a pretty strong market right now, but the added impact of Japan's market can't be overlooked.

"The South Dakota Certified Beef Program ... is going to be a very positive marketing key for beef going to Japan," Williams added.

Jeff Smeenk of the Center of the Nation Cattle Co. at Newell, in western South Dakota, said it is heartening to hear that Japan may resume imports of U.S. beef. Smeenk also is registered in the Certified Beef Program, and he believes the strict guidelines that must be followed to assure that only quality beef is produced will benefit farmers and ranchers who meet all of the qualifications.

"Opening the market in Japan could be huge for us," he said. "It should bring better prices for those of us who are raising source- and age-verified beef."

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