Dairy Heifers Can Go to Mexico

Mexico will resume trade in U.S. dairy heifers under 24 months of age.  Mexico suspended live cattle imports from the United States following the 2003 case of BSE. NCBA sees the announcement as another step in restoring full trade between the countries.

Regaining access to Mexico for breeding cattle is a priority for NCBA.  The Mexican position is that full resumption of trade in breeding stock from the U.S. to Mexico depends upon full trade harmonization with Canada.

Under the Oct. 4 agreement, U.S. producers will be able to export dairy heifers to Mexico that are under 24 months of age and registered with a purebred dairy breed association or the Dairy Herd Improvement Association, a national dairy producer cooperative. Shipments to Mexico were able to begin immediately.

The dairy heifers are individually identified as they depart the United States. Their identification information will be entered into the Mexican animal identification system for purposes of maintaining these animals under BSE surveillance.

In 2003, the United States exported $103 million worth of dairy heifers to Mexico.