03/20/08 Recall ripple II

Yesterday I related that a beef recall has spawned quite a number of editorial and opinions. I'm Jeff Keane; today I will tell you about one of the more scathing editorials I've read concerning the recall. Mike Callicrate of Colorado Springs, Colorado wrote one of the most opinionated articles brought about by the beef recall of a California meatpacking plant that processed cattle not properly inspected. First, Callicrate relates that once again we are shocked by the extent businesses will bend rules to make a profit. Secondly, he states this rule bending just might be the desperation of business trying to compete with large multinational corporations. Mr. Callicrate says these large corporations push dairy cattle so hard to produce so much that many are used up by only three years of production. This used up cow then enters the food chain as cheap ground beef that many big food service companies market while smaller meat packing companies can't compete using local and what he feels is safer beef. Mike Callicrate feels the best food products including beef come from many competitive producers and suppliers. He blames the USDA for not enforcing antitrust laws that would result in more competition and relates that when smaller businesses close this puts more product in less hands. Personally, I have a pretty good idea that regulations and restrictions demanded of new companies discourages many from starting up. Some people feel large corporations are needed to compete in world markets. Well, I think there is a place for smaller businesses to compete in U.S. markets. I'm Jeff Keane. Western Livestock Reporter 2/27/08