NCBA Audio Clip: Rule Expanding Beef Trade Will Help Open Global Markets

Sept. 14, 2007 - Earlier today, USDA finalized its rule that will open trade with Canada to cattle born after March 1, 1999, and to beef from cattle of any age.  USDA estimates the rule will go into effect on November 19, or 60 days from its upcoming publication in the Federal Register.

Montana rancher Bill Donald serves as vice chair of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) Policy Division. In the attached audio clips, Mr. Donald says U.S. cattlemen benefit when beef trade is based on sound science and internationally accepted guidelines. Therefore, this rule is an important step toward gaining full access to important beef export markets.

Audio Clip #1   :26        Outcue:                        “…to get our export markets open.”  

Donald added that in addition to improving the global climate for beef exports, this rule will also benefit U.S. cattlemen that export feeder cattle and breeding stock to Canada and Mexico. (Mexico’s beef trade policy toward the United States generally mirrors the terms of trade between the U.S. and Canada.)

Audio Clip #2   :22        Outcue:                        “…goes into those two markets.”