03/03/05 Judge puts border reopening on hold

American Rancher March 3, 2005 R-CALF USA succeeded yesterday in at least delaying USDA's planned partial reopening of the U.S. border to Canadian cattle. Montana U.S. District Court Judge Richard Cebull granted a preliminary injunction staying the effective date of the USDA rule that would have opened the border next Monday, March 7th. R-CALF regional director, Herman Schumacher of South Dakota, explains what's next. Schumacher: "This is actually a preliminary injunction and it no goes on to a court hearing where both sides and witnesses will be heard and then go for a permanent injunction." Judge Cebull will issue a written opinion today of his reasons for issuing the preliminary injunction, but Schumacher says the judge was more concerned with the safety of the American consumer and the welfare of U.S. cattle producers than with the impact on U.S. trade. That's how Lee Englehardt, president of the Cattle Producers of Washington sees the issue too and he was pleased with judge's action. Englehardt: "Well it is good news isn't it for both the producer and the consumer of the states." Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns issued a statement expressing disappointment with the judge's ruling but emphasized this is only a procedural delay while the judge considers the merits of the case. The U.S. closed the border to live Canadian cattle in May of 2003 because of BSE in Canada. I'm Bob Hoff.