04/21/08 Washington cattlemen say Korean deal is huge news

Washington Ag April 21, 2008 The announcement last Friday that U.S. and South Korean officials had agreed to a protocol that will lead to Korea accepting U.S. beef from cattle of all ages was very welcome news at the Washington State Cattlemen's Association. Field: "This is huge news. As you look to export markets with South Korea having the buying power that they do with their economy growing as it is, this is a huge step." That's WCA Executive Vice President Jack Field, who adds that reopening of the Korean market couldn't come at a better time. Field: "You take a look at the cost of production here, anything that can be done to expand the marketplace and hopefully expand the value of the products, is as you understand, is very well received by the industry as a whole here in the United States and something that we can really hang our hat on as we look to the future planning wise to see that are definitely some bright lights out there." Initially Korea will take all beef, including bone-in, from cattle under 30 months of age and once the U.S. announces enhancements to its feed ban, beef from cattle of all ages will be accepted. South Korea was the third largest export market for U.S. beef prior to the discovery of BSE in the U.S. in 2003. I'm Bob Hoff.