CONTACT:     Joe Schuele, (303) 850-3360 or mobile (720) 987- 4783, jschuele@beef.org

                        Karen Batra, (202) 347-0228, kbatra@beef.org                      

NCBA Statement on U.S. Court of Appeals Decision

Jim McAdams
Adkins, Texas cattle producer and President, NCBA

July 14, 2005

DENVER — The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit today has overturned a lower court's ruling banning imports of Canadian cattle. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is pleased that the 9th Circuit Court agreed with the science: beef is safe from bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). U.S. Cattlemen are best served when international trade is based on science and we expect our trading partners to follow the science that BSE does not pose a public health or food safety risk.

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The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is the largest organization representing America’s cattle industry.  Initiated in 1898, NCBA is the industry leader in education, influencing public policy to improve producer profitability and in preserving the industry’s heritage and future.  Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.