01/04/05 Differing views on BSE situation

American Rancher January 4, 2005 The National Cattlemen's Beef Association supports the USDA position that the confirmation of a new case of BSE in Canada does not change Canada's minimal risk status for BSE and the plan to reopen the U.S. border to live Canadian cattle under 30 months of age. NCBA president elect Jim McAdams, emphasizes the importance of resuming trade with Canada to the ability of the United States to reopen export markets. McAdams: "We felt like if we open the Canadian border it would have some negative impact on our markets. We anticipate something like $2 a hundredweight. But if that would lead to our ability to export to more countries, we would benefit by $10 there. So we would be net to the good by seven to eight dollars a hundredweight." Bill Bullard of R-CALF, which opposes re-opening the Canadian border, also uses international trade in his argument. Bullard: "Until we do demonstrate that we are serious about eradicating BSE in the entire world and begin helping Canada eradicating theirs, we cannot expect to restore consumer confidence internationally in U.S. beef. It makes no sense." R-CALF says Canada should be required to have mandatory BSE testing for all cattle over 20 months of age to determine just how prevalent the disease is in the Canadian herd. I'm Bob Hoff.