The NCBA Executive Committee voted Wednesday to support immediate agricultural and non-agricultural sanctions against Japan for repeated delays in the resumption of beef trade. NCBA also supports a bill introduced by Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson that would cease all imports of beef from Japan until U.S. exports are resumed. As NCBA President Mike John of Huntsville, Missouri, explains, cattlemen have simply run out of patience.

Cut #1         :38          Outcue: "... out of that market."

John said every time progress appears to be made toward resumption of trade, politics and rhetoric get in the way. He said this is particularly frustrating, because the U.S. has handled the issue of BSE prevention far better than Japan.

Cut #2         :43          Outcue: "... for some action."

He added that NCBA’s action should not only send a message to Japan, but also drive the point home to U.S. officials that cattlemen will accept no further delays or excuses from Japan.

Cut #3         :15          Outcue: "... to elevate this."