October 7, 2003 - NCBA Asks USDA Secretary for Fairness in Canadian Trade

Bringing greater fairness to cattle trade between Canada and the U.S. is the basis for a letter sent by officers of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association to U.S.D.A. Secretary Anne Veneman last week.  Terry Stokes, NCBA chief executive officer, explains.

Cut #1     :18        Outcue: "...on animal health issues."

According to Stokes, the NCBA letter to Secretary Veneman spelled out what was NCBA members expected.

Cut #2     :15        Outcue: "...other animal health issues."

Stokes says the NCBA will press hard for this fairness in trade with Canada.

Cut #3     :18        Outcue: "...in an expedient manner."

Among the animal health issues that Canada has been using as a trade barrier have been anaplasmosis, blue tongue, TB and brucellosis.

Cut #4     :10        Outcue: "...resume trade with Canada."

Stokes says the NCBA will fight on behalf of producers to assure that the border is opened from the north for such cattle as feeders, cows and breeding stock, as well as for semen and embryos.